of North Little Rock, AR

April 27, 1936 - March 7, 2024

Colonel (Ret.) Jerry L. Bowers, 87, of North Little Rock passed away on March 7, 2024.

Jerry was born on April 27, 1936 in Batesville to Laura Hazel McCord and Lewis Bowers. He later moved to North Little Rock and graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1954. The next year he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Ford, with whom he is now reunited.

Jerry joined the Air National Guard and served with distinction for forty years, retiring as Vice Commander of the 189th Airlift Wing in 1994. His family was his greatest joy, but his service in the Guard was a close second. He loved serving and protecting his country and he loved the people he served with even more. Another one of his great joys was being a member of the Elks Association, serving as Grand Exalted Ruler of the North Little Rock Elks Lodge, President of the Arkansas State Elks Association and as a representative to the national Elks Association. Jerry was also a member of the St. Patrick's Men's Club, where he was known for his Bingo-calling skills.

Quite simply, Jerry was a people person. He never met a stranger and made friends everywhere he went. He loved an audience and his wit and charm drew people to him. Jerry loved to travel. He and Mary attended events all over the country for both the National Guard and Elks. They particularly loved Colorado and Hawaii, as well as annual summer trips with their children and grandchildren to Table Rock Lake. In later years, Jerry spent many enjoyable days at Oaklawn with his daughter and son, Jerrie Ann and Alex. He also became a ''Dance Grandad'' and loved watching Alden and Harper perform and compete, even driving to Biloxi to watch them dance. The love for his family could not be matched.

As fun-loving as Jerry was, he was equally kind-hearted. He spent many days helping care for Mary, particularly at the end of her life, but he also helped care for his mother, Hazel and mother-in-law, Opal, as their health waned. His daughters are grateful they were able to care for him as his own health declined. His daughter, Sandra and grandsons, Matthew and Jeffrey, helped tremendously with daily tasks in the last year of his life.

In addition to his parents and Mary, Jerry was also predeceased by his beloved daughter, Karen Sue Bowers and his granddaughter, Madeline Grace Lee.

Left to cherish his memory are the three daughters he was so proud of: Jerrie Ann Williams and husband, Alex; Sandra Davis and Tina Bowers Lee and husband, Jason. He is also survived by grandchildren, Karen Ricardo (Mike), Alex Williams Jr. (Lindsey), Kayla Williams, Jeffrey, Matthew and Brandon Davis and Alden and Harper Lee. Great-grandchildren are Presley, Kinzley, Kamdyn, Kaylee, Kase, Landon, Mason and Levi.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home in North Little Rock, officiated by Rev. Preston Clegg, with visitation at the funeral home on Monday, March 11, 2024, from 6-8 p.m.

Jerry supported many philanthropic causes but had a particularly soft spot for animal welfare organizations. A donation to such an organization, or other charity of your choice, would be a special way to honor him.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Owens Funeral Home
5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
North Little Rock, AR  72116
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com