In loving memory of

Alexander Gray Bowers
June 21, 1993 - June 1, 2020

My beautiful, beautiful Alex was taken from our lives by a senseless and relentless drug. Our family asks that you realize that no one is immune to the epidemic of opioid and heroin addiction that encumbers our culture. We fought as hard as we knew how to help Alex, and our constant hope of his recovery dashed so senselessly is truly devastating.
The day Alex died, we died along with him. We will miss him every day for the rest of our lives. The pain of his death is heartbreaking and intolerable.
If someone you know is battling addiction; if your 'gut instinct' says something is wrong, it most likely is.
"Don't believe the logical sounding reasons of where their money is going or why they act so different. Don't believe them when they say they're clean."

Alexander Gray Bowers was born on the first day of summer, June 21, 1993 in Knoxville, TN. He spent his early years in Paducah, KY, Batesville, IN, and Tampla, FL. He played football, lacrosse, and wrestled before graduating middle school from Summit Country Day School in Cincinnati, OH. Alex loved graphic design and studied trendsetting at The High School of Fashion Industries, New York City. After returning to Knoxville in 2010 he attended Pellissippi State eventually earning his phlebotomist license, in order to help with family business until joining Newell as a machine operator last October.
Alex is survived by his mother, Karen Randles Bowers; brother and sister, Major and Bizzie Bowers; ever loving and believing grandparents, Roy & Nina Randles- no one tried harder or had more hope.Thank you, Jesus for them in his life; aunt and uncle, Jerry & Deidre Randles; special uncle, Brian Randles; cousins, Ryan & Emily Randles.
Pallbearers- Major Bowers, Jerry Randles, Brian Randles, Ryan Randles, Nick Muratore, and Al Muratore
Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel
Reception of Friends June 9th, 2020 beginning at 6pm
Funeral following at 7:30
In Lieu of flowers the family would like to bless
The Mend House
308 Knox Rd
Knoxville, TN 37918

My Beautiful, loving, old soul Alex
May your spirit be restored and may you rest. I pray you can finally feel comfortable in your own skin. You were created purposely and beautifully and blessed this Earth with your presence. I guess we will resolve the five greatest songwriters when I see you in glory.
Love Eternally,
Mom, Bizzie & Major

Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Bowers family and invites you to view and sign the online registry.

Tributes

Nina Randles wrote on Dec 31, 2020:

"Dec. 31, 2020 Alex, we miss you sooo much . Christmas just was not the same. Love you . You will forever be in our hearts. Grandma"

Dave Bowers wrote on Dec 25, 2020:

"Merry Christmas Son"

Brian wrote on Dec 24, 2020:

"Merry Christmas Alex! We love and miss you!"

mike jenkins wrote on Nov 9, 2020:

"Charlotte and Tammy,so sorry to hear about Sam. If i can help you please let me know. You know where I am sincerly, Mike Jenkins"

Jeff Gubitz wrote on Aug 12, 2020:

"We are so sorry to learn if his death. He worked under my direction and, when he did, showed much promise as a worker and a positive part of society. May his memory be for a blessing. Jeff and Charlene Gubitz "

Terry Robinson wrote on Jun 12, 2020:

"Karen, my heart just breaks for you and your family. You were in our Bible study years ago and spontaneously made me a beautiful little carry bag for my Bible, which I still use and think of you each time! I have been keeping you in prayer and although I can?t even imagine the depth of your pain, I am standing with you in prayer. We are not supposed to lose our children and I can only imagine how devastating this must be for you. Just know that you are remembered with great fondness and that many people are praying for you. With love and prayer, Terry Robinson"

Dina deVries wrote on Jun 10, 2020:

"A beautiful tribute for your son, Alex. I am so very sorry for your precious loss. I don?t know the family, but I will be praying for you all. Thank you for sharing Alex?s battle with Addiction. I know so many families with similar heartbreaking situations, and are at a loss of how to help more when they have tried almost every. I?m very touched with your faith, and the love and compassion you extend outwardly & with family & friends. Praying for God?s peace, that only HE is able to give during these difficult times, and the days and time ahead of you. God bless and hold you all close to His Heart! Deepest Sympathy. ??"

Linda Wade Jackson wrote on Jun 10, 2020:

"Your post about Alex touched my heart so dearly as I have lived through this same traumatic experience. I lost my son 2 years ago after fighting with him everyday to recover from a liver transplant results from drug abuse that damaged his liver. God allowed me to be strong enough to help him get over his addiction, however it was too late for his liver to recover. He fought very hard to survive for 4 years after transplant but had way too many complications resulting in heart attack & all of his major organs stopped functioning. I?m grayed that God gave me the blessing of this wonderful soul in my life as well as 4 more years with him. I am so sorry to hear about your sweet son & sending prayers for peace for you all "

The BECKMEYER family wrote on Jun 10, 2020:

"Our memories are distant, but so fond. Our hearts are sunken, but prayers are lifted up. Bless you David, Karen, Bizzie and Major. God?s speed and peace Alex. The Beckmeyers"

Brian wrote on Jun 10, 2020:

"My Eulogy to Alex - Uncle Brian Alexander Gray Bowers born on June 21, 1993 and died on June 1, 2020 Alex was loving, kind, polite, and loved his family. He was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, and cousin. I have several great memories, three of which I will quickly share. The first was when I remember my mom babysat her first grandson. She called me and said, ?Do you know what he did!! He is just like his mom (my sister). He opened up every drawer in the kitchen and make like steps and then on top of the counter he opened up all the drawers!? When grandma caught him, he was smiling and laughing?.My mom not so much! The second was when they lived in Orlando. We took a trip to see them and loaded up and went to Universal Studios. We rode rides, ate, etc. Well, Alex was probably about 8 or 9, and he spotted one of those scary Chucky dolls and had to have it. Of course, my mom, his grandma, did what any other one would do and bought it for him. Well, Alex got that doll home and was so scared of it, he would not even let it stay in the same room as him! Not that his uncle would ever give him a hard time about that either!! And then there was the infamous go-cart ride! The gist of the story is his ?Favorite Uncle? (yes, me) got into a go-cart and let a 9 year old drive. He drove it alright until?he drove us straight into a tree, and we barely bailed before the go-cart hit the tree!!! We pushed-dragged the mangled cart up the hill, and I was met ?That?s your fault for letting a 9 year old drive.? However, to this day I still blame my sister because she is the one that said he could drive it in the first place!!! And did you know that Walmart won?t take back a mangled go-cart!! Well, my sister surely did try it though!! She can tell you about that!! I have tons and tons of great more memories of Alex. But I do want to leave you with a few thoughts. Everyone in this room will have two dates in life, a birth day and a death date. If you haven?t noticed, those dates are separated by a small ?dash.? That dash is your story. Life threw my nephew Alex a curve ball, one of which he could not beat. I would ask everyone in this room, please, make the most of their precious ?dash.? Whatever it is--to volunteer, give money or time to a substance abuse program, feed needy--make the most of your life because your dash is a precious gift from the good Lord above. I have one final, simple, two word request. ?Remember him.? Alex may have left this earth, but we can keep his memory alive, so please remember him. "

Dave bowers wrote on Jun 9, 2020:

"My Son Alex Today was the darkest day of my life. Standing over your grave being in a place where no parent should ever be, remembering a child. The world knows how brilliant you were and how your smile would captivate. You and I share common demons it's relentless and it takes no prisoners. It takes and takes until nothing is left including life. We shared the best of time's and the worst of times. You were blessed to have mother that loved you and tried so hard. Your impact on Bizzie and Jack is not measurable in words. Thank You for Nina and Roy no two people could have ever done more. You are angels of God. Alex I wish I could have done more I wish was there for you at the end. I left my heart and soul for you today. Truths: Alex was better athlete than me , Jack will be better. Alex was more handsome , but Bizzie is more beautiful.. Alex will always be Prince of New York City. Dad "

Linda Mock wrote on Jun 9, 2020:

"You will be greatly missed by your family who have been supportive in every way. Oh if only you could have seen your potential like we all could .Go rest high upon that mountain Londa Mock"

Concerned grandparents wrote on Jun 9, 2020:

"I am so sorry for your loss. We are currently working with our grandson who has the same problem. Grateful that he is 25 days clean and starting a new job. We pray daily and thank God for His blessing that he is recovering. "

Cindy Brandan wrote on Jun 9, 2020:

"Bower's Family, We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Some of my favorite memories of Alex were watching him with Bizzie and Major in the front yard passing a football around, playing catch with a baseball, or driving the kids to play golf. The sport changed with the season but the love he had for his brother and sister never changed and was obviously great. Our prayers are with you, Georges & Cindy Brandan"

Marty & Dennis Danilchuk wrote on Jun 8, 2020:

"Dennis and I are so very sorry to hear of the great loss of Alexander! Our thoughts and our prayers are with you at this time. Marty & Dennis Danilchuk"

Jan R Weaver wrote on Jun 8, 2020:

"I read your son's obituary on Betsy's Elliot's FB and it broke my heart for you. I hate drugs and how it shatters families. I've lost too many friends to this hateful tragedy. I pray you will find comfort from God in knowing your son is at last in peace and you will see him again. I hope your courage in writing this obituary will help someone else change their path in life."

Kim Jones wrote on Jun 8, 2020:

"I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful son. My heart aches for you and your family. I applaud you for sharing your son?s story. I wish I had the same courage. I pray this speaks to at least one person. My prayers will be with you and your family."

Martha Paris wrote on Jun 8, 2020:

"I share your story and your sorrow. We are having a funeral to as you do. My sweet cousin, Christopher Paris took his own life with a gun. Addiction led him to believe he had no one who loved or cared about him. I can't bring any of my loved ones back but I can, prepare to hopefully see them again with Jesus. My heart goes out to all who's hearts are shattered as mine is. May God keep you and bless you. Martha Paris"

Vince & Cookie LoIacono wrote on Jun 8, 2020:

"Vince & Cookie LoIacono We share your grief at this darkest hour. Please know that we are thinking and praying for you and all your family. There are times that words cannot adequately describe feelings of ones loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you"

Merry WayneGaddis wrote on Jun 8, 2020:

"God bless you all."

Sue Pecora wrote on Jun 8, 2020:

"My heart aches for you and your family, and his obituary speaks volumes about your love for this handsome guy and the loss you will forever feel. There's no shame in this addiction; it's such a hard thing to conquer. Take comfort in your memories, and know he loved you dearly and his addiction is no reflection of that love. I'm so sorry."

Susan Henderson wrote on Jun 7, 2020:

"I am so sorry for this separation with your son. Alex is no longer an addict he has been healed and you will see him again in glory! I am A recovering addict only by the blood of Jesus Christ! Thank You for using Alex?s horrific struggle to warn others! Please continue to share his struggle Romans 8:28 New International Version (NIV) 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. God can use Alex?s struggle to save others! May God comfort you knowing this is not goodbye but, see you later. My Prayers go up for your family! In Christ Susan H "

Carol Stewart wrote on Jun 7, 2020:

"May Alex be in a place of peace and his loved ones and dearest mother Karen find comfort with God, their family and friends arms always around them. The obituary and tribute to Alex and your family could not have been more beautiful. "

Betsy Jenkins wrote on Jun 7, 2020:

"I didn't know your beautiful son & family, but I understand your pain. My 25 year old daughter was addicted to heroin & everything you said is true, despite our love for them. My heart breaks for you. "

Eugene and Agnes Wilder wrote on Jun 7, 2020:

"EUgene and Agnes WILDER JUNE 7,2020 we will always remember the times that we saw Alex at church and got to talk to him he aiways had a smile on his face we will always remember him. may GOD bless and comfort the family."

Bob and Sally Chapman wrote on Jun 7, 2020:

"We are so sorry for your great loss, and pray that the Lord will comfort your family with His peace and love. Bob and Sally Chapman"

Katie Bolduc wrote on Jun 7, 2020:

"The most beautiful, caring and honest obituary I have ever read. Much love and comfort for your loving wonderful family. Katie and Gary Bolduc"

Ok hubbs wrote on Jun 7, 2020:

"It was a beautiful obituary!!I too hope he finds peace for his self I have no doubt because once you see our Father everything is perfect! May you and your family find peace too"

Marsha elzey wrote on Jun 7, 2020:

"So sorry for his families loss may he rip sending u all prayers"

Jana Wagner wrote on Jun 6, 2020:

"I didn't know your family, or your son. I knew of his friend Alexandra, who died a year ago in May, also from an overdose. I've followed her mom's heartache, because she and I went to high school together and are still friends. (Dawn Ross Jerger.) I have seen the Lord move her, ever so gently, and with very tender hands, towards healing, and though she still grieves, some days are a little brighter than they used to be. My tribute to you and your family is this: Your frank obituatury moved me to write, to tell you God is with you, and with your dear, sweet son, and He has freed him from his pain. Though your son's passing leaves you feeling desperate and despondent, I know the Lord's hands are protecting you, and He is blessing you as you stay close to Him. He really is our umbrella - and, of course, FAR more- , but I encourage you to cling to Him and He will carry you through this. With the deep love of Christ, I send this in His name, to give you hope. Love, Jana Wagner Bradenton, FL"

Dawn Jerger wrote on Jun 6, 2020:

"I?m so sorry to hear that Alex has lost his fight. He and my Alex tried to fight it together, at one time before she ran ahead to heaven. Your son was smart and had such an ease about him. I enjoyed his visits, and my daughter loved him so."

Jane Willmann wrote on Jun 6, 2020:

"Karen, I?m heartbroken hearing this news. I remember him being so kind to his new baby sister. He was a blessing to all. I?m so very sorry for your loss. "

Sue Allison wrote on Jun 6, 2020:

"What a beautiful young man and what a brave giving mama you are for sharing the painful truth. Our family also lost a beautiful boy to demon drugs. I?m so sorry for your indescribable loss. "

Katie Allison wrote on Jun 6, 2020:

"Thank you for this beautiful tribute to your beautiful child. My son Henry also died after battling opiate addiction - he was 18 when he left us. I know that pain you are feeling right now, and I hurt for you. Your love for your amazing boy is palpable in every word you?ve written. If you ever need another parent to talk to, please reach out to me. My email address is katieallisonmail@gmail.com. In deepest sympathy, Katie Allison Knoxville, TN"

Lauren wrote on Jun 6, 2020:

"I don?t know your family but I too have been personally affected with loved ones that battle addiction. Your son and brother was a beautiful soul and his story has touched my heart. I?m so sorry for your loss and send my love and prayers for comfort to your family. May his soul find eternal peace. "

Carolyn Toole wrote on Jun 6, 2020:

"Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family! Alex was a kind, loving soul. I will pray that you have the strength to get through this. Carolyn Toole"

Cheryl Menke wrote on Jun 6, 2020:

"Hi Karen! I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a great kid. Been years since I have seen him. Last time was in NY. May God be with you and your family at this time and always. Love, Cheryl Menke??????"

Adam gatto wrote on Jun 5, 2020:

"Damn Alex wtf I can?t believe this shit I fucking love you brother and rest easy, I remember going to the park with you and having so much fun. Rip, my tributes go out the the family you will be missed so Much"

sarah cowger wrote on Jun 5, 2020:

"Sweet Karen and Family, Words can not truly comfort your heart's needs at this time, so i will pray God will wrap you in His love and help you find peace. Much love, Sarah Stallings Cowger"

Kimberley Seebach wrote on Jun 5, 2020:

"I did not know your beautiful son. As a Mother that has lost a son, I feel your pain. Thank you for being brave and spreading the word. My prayers are with your family. God bless!"

JOYCE MASON wrote on Jun 5, 2020:

"Karen -Love and Prayers for you & Family"

Betsy Allison Tant wrote on Jun 5, 2020:

"I am so very sorry. Thank you for your bravery and honesty in sharing his battle. I lost my 18 year old nephew Henry to this monster disease. Please know that by sharing you and your sweet boy will save lives. Prayers for peace and comfort. Betsy Allison Tant"

LeTonia Hardin wrote on Jun 5, 2020:

"From the 1st time I met Alex, his smile was contagious! Such a loving and genuine your man always wanting and willing to be of assistance! Karen, there are no words for your loss as my heart aches for you! You are all in my thoughts and prayers! LeTonia"

Frank Connelly wrote on Jun 5, 2020:

"Alex was an amazing young man I know that he loved his family very much. Mary Ann and are very sad to learn of his death. The world will be less because Alex is not in it. God bless you Karen, Major and Bizzy."

MELANIE BOWERS wrote on Jun 5, 2020:

"May God bless you with beautiful memories of Alex, praying for God's comfort and peace for your beautiful family. Melanie Bowers"

Charlotte Williams wrote on Jun 5, 2020:

"Dear Bowers family, My heart aches for your loss. Prayers and love to you. Charlotte Williams Sales Consultant Middle TN Batesville Casket Co."

Kathleen Bohman wrote on Jun 5, 2020:

"We love Alex! We?ll always have wonderful memories of spending time with him as he was growing up. Our hearts are breaking for you. Sending our prayers and love, Kathleen and Tim Bohman "

Donna Tackett wrote on Jun 5, 2020:

"Sorry for your loss praying for peace during this time. "

Betty Coleman wrote on Jun 5, 2020:

"I remember Alex?s grandma, Nina, telling me how kind and caring he was to his younger sister and brother. Betty Coleman, Knoxville "

John and Betsy Elliott wrote on Jun 4, 2020:

"Dear Karen, Bizzy, Major, Brother Roy, Sister Nina and the rest of your precious family, Our hearts ache for your unimaginable loss of Alex. We always enjoyed being around Alex with his beautiful smile and wonderful personality. May God comfort you all and may you enjoy precious memories until you all meet again. In hope and in His love, John and Betsy Elliott"