Clarence Reed Bowers, age 96, of Troutdale, VA, the Laurel Hill Community passed away in the early afternoon of June 28, 2026, at the home of his caregiver in Troutdale.  Clarence was born on May 22, 1930, in Creston, NC to Dewey and Ollie Lee Reed Bowers.  As a young man, Clarence joined the United States Navy in 1948 where he faithfully served for 12 years.  He enjoyed his experiences in the Navy and often reflected upon them.  He visited 28 countries with Barcelona, Spain being his favorite port.  Following his Naval Career, he returned home to continue working for the government in the Brunswick Plant which at that time was a defense operations plant.  He held several other jobs including, timber industry and textile mills.  Clarence was a self-taught historian with a keen interest in the military campaigns of the War for Southern Independence, WWI and WWII.  He was an avid reader and accumulated an extensive library devoted to military history.  He was a devoted husband to his wife, Bernice Marie Testerman Bowers, and a loving and supportive step-father to his daughter, Lisa Marie Parsons.  Following his wife's death, he became the sole caregiver to his stepdaughter who was a special needs child always confined to her bed.  He delighted in caring for her and her death in 2022, was a devastating blow to Clarence from which he never fully recovered.  Clarence was blessed to have caregivers to see to his needs in his later years.  With their help he was able to remain in his home until his final months until he was warmly invited to join them in their home where he became a part of their family.  He especially enjoyed having two young boys around him.  They became "best buds" and enjoyed many adventures together.

In addition to his parents, wife, and step-daughter, Clarence was preceded in death by brother, Carlos Bowers, Larry Dean Bowers, sisters, Mae Potter and Ruth Williams, and nephew Robert Bowers.

He is survived by his caregivers, Andrea and Matthew Blevins of Troutdale, VA and their sons, Isaiah Blevins and Grayson Blevins.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday afternoon at 1:00 at Bethel Baptist Church at 942 Laurel Hill Road in Troutdale with Rev. Jerry Fritz and Rev. Robert Blevins officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral at the church.  His Naval Career will be honored with military rites offered by Grayson VFW Post #7726.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Bowers family.