[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 112 (Tuesday, September 12, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1684-E1685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 12, 2006 (Extensions)]
[Page E1685]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr12se06-21]                         

[[Page E1685]]
 
                HONORING SENATOR GROVER FORD BOWERS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2006

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
memory of a true friend to our Nation and the State of South Carolina. 
Friday, July 7, 2006, saw the sad passing of Grover Ford Bowers, Jr. 
Senator Bowers was born in Luray, South Carolina, in Hampton County on 
November 20, 1919. He was a son of the late Grover Ford Bowers, Sr. and 
Corinne Fitts Bowers. He graduated from Estill High School and the 
University of South Carolina. He was a member of Luray Christian Church 
where he served as finance chairman. He was also a member of Estill 
Masonic Lodge and the Society of 1824. Senator Bowers was a United 
States Marine Corps Veteran of World War II, having served on the 
Island of Tinian in the 18th Anti-Aircraft Artillery. He was honorably 
discharged with the rank of Captain. He then became the co-founder of 
Harper & Bowers Inc. in 1947. After retirement in 1976, he remained 
actively involved in both agri-business and politics. Senator Bowers 
served in the South Carolina Senate from 1962-1966 and was the last 
Senator from Hampton County. He served as a member of the Board of 
Visitors of Clemson University and The Medical University of South 
Carolina, as well as various State Commissions including: State Ethics 
Commission, State ASCS Commission, S.C. Highway Commission, State 
Transportation Commission and State Forestry Commission. In 1978 
Senator Bowers was awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Governor James 
B. Edwards.
  He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Macie Tison Bowers, his 3 
children, Martha B. Simons and her husband, Dr. Paul K. Simons; Grover 
F. Bowers III and his wife, Derbiana Peeples Bowers; William T. Bowers 
and his wife, Julia Roman Bowers. His 7 grandchildren include Caroline 
S. Chase and husband, Samuel Chase III, Paul K. Simons Jr., Grover F. 
Bowers IV, Hunter T. Bowers, Margaret E. Bowers, William T. Bowers and 
Charles R. Bowers. Senator Bowers also has one great grandson, Samuel 
M. Chase IV. He was preceded in death by two brothers, DeTreville F. 
Bowers and Corrin F. Bowers.
  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Ms. Mary Eleanor Bowers of 
Estill, South Carolina. Ms. Bowers served as the Estill Office Special 
Assistant of the Second Congressional District until her retirement. 
Before that she served on the staff of the late Congressman Floyd 
Spence and was initially added to service by Congressman Arthur 
Ravenel.

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