Raymond Earl Bowers, Sr.

Raymond Earl Bowers, Sr, 65, passed away peacefully at his is home on Black Creek on Friday, November 13, 2009, after nearly two years of fighting lung and liver cancer. Ray was born August 8, 1944, in Jacksonville to the late William and Hortense Bowers. He is survived by his sister Donna (Skip) Jones, by his beautiful and loving wife of 42 years Sharon, son and daughter in law, Ray and Brandie Bowers and his grandson, Mason Bowers, the light of his life who loved each other “more than to infinity and beyond." Ray is also survived by a multitude of friends and family who always felt his undying love and support. Ray worked for many years in sales in the food brokerage business and for the last twenty years as a partner in B&W Marine Construction Inc. He was an avid boater and water skier and took great pride in coaching youth athletics, and loving and living life to the fullest. Ray is well known for his wit, charm and sense of humor. Direct in his approach to every situation, Ray epitomized the meaning of “true friend." Family, friend, or colleague always knew they could rely on Ray for anything. A genuine, caring, no-nonsense kind of man, he always expressed his feelings as he saw fit. Borrowing a quote from one of his most-beloved friends, “You ain’t gotta go, but you can’t stay here;” well, Ray had to go, but this time you CAN stay here. Ray’s spirit will stay here forever. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations in Ray’s name be made to Community Hospice of N.E. Florida. A celebration of his life will be held at 2pm Sunday, November 22, at the Orange Park Womans Club, 130 Kinglsey Ave., Orange Park, FL. At Ray's request tears and ties are to be left at home. Please come with a smile, fond memories, and casual attire. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St, Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000.