Andrew Eugene Bowers, Sr., entered into his eternal rest as he met his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Presbyterian Village in Athens, Georgia. 

Gene was born on April 2, 1927, to parents Joseph Edward Bowers and Winnie Clyde Mask Bowers. He was preceeded in death by his wife, Adrian Short Bowers, and a brother, Joseph Robert Bowers. 

A native of Fayette County, he graduated from Fayette County High School. He served in the Army from 1944-1946 during World War II in Germany. After leaving military service, he returned home and then enrolled at the University of Georgia to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education. Gene then began his educational career as a teacher of vocational agriculture and an FFA advisor at his high school alma mater Fayette County High School from 1950-1952. Next, he moved to Pike County to teach agriculture for four school terms. From there, he worked with the Farmer’s Home Administration in Mitchell County before returning to the University of Georgia for his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration.

In August 1960, he married Adrian Short, a native of Pine Mountain, Georgia. Their marriage was one of love and devotion to one another.

Gene and Adrian moved to Henry County upon marriage, where he served as principal. He continued graduate studies and eventually returned to Fayette County Schools as a science teacher. He was elected to serve as Superintendent of Schools, where he led from 1964-1972, earning many accolades during his tenure. Later on, he worked in Gordon County Schools, Coosa Valley Technical Institute, and Floyd College in Rome, Georgia earning the status of Assistant Professor of Education and retiring in 1993. 

Gene Bowers was a servant leader as a deacon and Sunday school teacher in multiple churches. He has been a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Rome for the past 40 years. He also served his community through civic engagement and leadership in Meals on Wheels, Silver-Haired Legislature, Senior Council on Aging, Rome Noon Optimist Club, and many other groups. Gene was always looking for opportunities to support others and his life’s work centered on providing light and joy to all who were fortunate to cross paths with him on his life’s journey.

He is survived by his four children: Andy (Pam) Bowers of Watkinsville, Georgia, Elyse (Mike) Daniel of Bogart, Georgia, Tim (Tracy) Bowers of Christiansburg, Virginia, and Maria Bowers of Westminster, South Carolina. Gene was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren: Drew Bowers, Derek (Meredith) Varnadore, Holli (Clay)Peck, and Tanner Bowers; Jacob (Kellie) Daniel, Josh (Delaney) Daniel, and Jared (Emma) Daniel; Emily Bowers Phillips, and Ben Bowers. His great-grandchildren included Eli, Molly, Jack, Annie, Reagan, McKenzie, Maddie, Rowan, Elizabeth, and Sawyer. He is also survived by a sister, Louise Callahan, and a sister-in-law, Evie Bowers.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 21, at 3:00 pm in the Rome First Baptist Chapel. Reverend David Brooks, Reverend Bill Davies, and Reverend Keith Reaves will be officiating. Interment will be later at Georgia National Cemetery.

The family will be receiving friends at Henderson and Sons South Chapel Funeral Home, South Chapel, on Friday evening, June 20, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Rome, P.O. Box 1189, Rome, Georgia 30162-1189, to the William S. Davies Homeless Shelter, PMB 391, 3 Central Plaza, Rome, Georgia 30161, or to the Rome Community Kitchen, 1308 North Broad Street, NE, Rome, Georgia 30161. 

Henderson and Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, has charge of the funeral arrangements.