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Tim Towery Obituary

Tim Holmes

Towery

Asheville - Tim Holmes Towery, 69, passed away Friday July 8th, 2016 at Mission Hospital. Mr. Towery was the son of the late Glenn Gold Towery and the late Will Ellen Towery of Sumter SC.

Tim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Elizabeth Hefner Towery, his son Bart Towery and wife Betsy Towery, his daughter Ruth Towery and wife Hannah Curtis, and his beloved grandchildren, Daniel and Abby Towery. He was one of five boys and is survived by Michael, Neil, Pat, and Al Towery.

Mr. Towery was a deacon of First Baptist Church of Asheville, a leader of the Emmaus community, a life long Red Cross Donor. He was a recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award of Asheville. Tim was a proud member of the Asheville Visually Impaired Persons support group. He was a active participant in National Towery Family Association. Tim was a loving son, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and brother. He loved and was loved deeply by his family of friends.

The Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am on Tuesday July 12th, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Asheville, NC, located at 5 Oak Street.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Asheville Citizen-Times on Jul. 10, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Tim Towery

Not sure what to say?





Tommy Vann

July 8, 2025

Tim was a wonderful classmate, a devout Christian, when I was at Mars Hill College from January 1968 to our graduation in May 1969. During the summer 68, on Saturday nights he and I were about the only two guys in the dorm, and he so looked forward to speaking to Betty on the payphone. During that summer I had a little plastic electric fan and Tim would come into my room and stick his finger in it and stop it, which made us laugh. He really loved Betty and let us all know it. My family and I spent a night with Tim and Betty in 1982 as I was in transition to Fort Jackson, SC as a chaplain. May God bless Betty.

Tommy Vann

July 6, 2024

Remembering Tim, bless him, knowing he is enjoying the glory of heaven with God the Father and Jesus the Son of God. He was such a good friend to me in the summer of 1968, fall and spring 1969 at Mars Hill College. Tomm Vann

Corinne & Ed Blakley

July 4, 2022

We remember Tim as a kind, humble, gentle soul with a wonderful sense of humor.

corinne blakley

July 4, 2022

I remember Tim as a gentle, kind man with a wonderful sense of humor. I'm sorry we didn't get to know him better after he married my daughter to his nephew Ryan Falk.

Noel Cooper

July 4, 2022

Tim was one of the dearest friends I ever had. He would stand by someone as friend no matter the circumstances. An absolutely true Christian. Miss him!

Gil Dresback

July 4, 2020

I'm not really sure where to start. Tim was taken from us all way to soon. He made me laugh. His jokes were the best. And Tim really was not blind. He saw things so much better than lots of us. Think about how much his grandchildren have not been able to enjoy. Think about the gallons of blood he gave and how many others he inspired to give blood. "...and the people said...AMEN." Then think about the void this left for a wife that loved him so. That hand on her shoulder. I cannot imagine how tough this has been for Betty. However, grievers should remember that are friend Tim LIVED, R E A L L Y L I V E D...not only that he died. This world would be a much better place if we had more just like Tim.

Brenda Walker

July 10, 2019

Betty, my dear friend,
Tim is a treasured memory . Love and peace to you today. I think we both agree that a goal in loss is to learn and grow from it, to take joy from those who we traveled with & who are no longer with us. To make their presence in our life into a gift that can always be carried with us . Life and death are very personal, but as we share these personal experiences and are reverent enough to simply witness what we see and not judge it, some good does come of it. Sending warm hugs your way.

Noel Cooper

July 8, 2019

I continue to miss Tim. He reached out to me in a dark time in my life and helped bring me back into the light that he knew so well. I have kept those texts and cherish them. I know he watches over me from the place where we shall meet again.

Ann & Bob Plyler

July 29, 2016

Tim, although blind, saw more than most persons. He was one of the most amazingly enthusiastic, funny and joyous souls I've known and he'll be sorely missed. We remember Tim and Betty helping us establish our Tai Chi program at First Baptist and teaching Tim and Betty in one of our first classes there, some years ago. Tim mastered it! He was an inspiration to us all. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Bill Kalarovich

July 18, 2016

Dear Betty, Please know Tim is remembered with affection, as are you. I appreciate his work and support with the Low Vision Center. I will remember you and your family in my prayers.

Tommy Vann

July 14, 2016

I am saddened by the news that my old friend from Mars Hill days has left us, but we can rejoice that his new home is heaven. Tim was such a blessing to me in the summer of 1968; oftentimes on Saturday nights in the dorm, he and I were the only ones around. He was there to receive Betty's call or call her. I had no place to go. Tim was a committed Christian then when I was not, and I praise God for his continuing faithfulness. I am so thankful for his influence on me and will always remember his faith in Christ and his love for Betty.

Linda Johnson

July 13, 2016

When Tim spoke...we listened. He was truly a Christ centered man with a Christ size heart. I will miss his statement "and all the people said.." which he would say so often during worship. I was so blessed to have know him.

Donna Sheline

July 13, 2016

I am so sorry for the loss of Tim. As I have gotten to know Tim through Emmaus, he has been a such a significant light to me. He will be greatly missed.

Bobby and Paulette Christmas

July 12, 2016

Tim was a much loved friend and classmate and will truly be missed. I will always cherish the happy times we spent during our school years and the memories that flood my mind. Betty, you and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers and if you think of anything we can do, please don't hesitate to call us. May God fill your hearts with His peace and love as you adjust your life without Tim. Remember, our loss is Heaven's gain.

July 12, 2016

Betty, I was so sorry to hear about Tim's passing. He always made me laugh, had a kind word and a great story. We loved having you all workout at Training Partners. You're in our prayers and he will be missed.

Charlene Reeves

David Koll

July 12, 2016

Thank you Tim for the love and dedication you have demonstrated to all those who knew you, for the commitment to your church family and for the difference you have made in my life.

Joyce Hodge

July 12, 2016

As a fellow Furman High School student, Betty and family I am sorry for your loss.

louise Geddings

July 12, 2016

A.L. & I are saddened to hear about Tim's passing. We wish you comfort & peace during this difficult time. A.L. graduated with his brother Pat at Furman High.

Lori Freeman

July 12, 2016

Betty, my heart breaks for you and your family. I am so terribly sorry to hear about Tim. I will always remember his great stories and jokes at Emmaus.

Jac and Kathy Whatley

July 12, 2016

We were so sorry to hear about Tim's death! What a special person and amazing Christian he was. Our daughter, Katie, called to tell us. She was just one of the people for whom Tim was a terrific role model. He influenced many more than he could ever know. God's peace be with you, Betty!

Shirley Geddings

July 12, 2016

Tim was a neighbor and friend for many years on Bethel Church Road in Sumter SC. We grew up together. Shirley Avins Geddings, Jacksboro TN

Noel Cooper

July 12, 2016

When I think of "LIVING a Christian life" I think of Tim. Memories of him have stayed strong in my conscience for the past 44 years. A man from God's own heart.

Melanie McClure

July 11, 2016

Dear Betty, my prayers are with you and your family. Y'all are so beloved, respected, and appreciated at First Baptist. I feel so blessed to have shared the Discipleship class with you both. So many of the things Tim said will stick with me forever. I remember Tim signing some emails with In His Grip. He was and, I'm sure, always will be in His grip. Love,

Vicky Horne

July 11, 2016

Tim was a classmate at Furman High School. He was a very nice person and always kind and polite to everyone. I know he will be greatly missed by many people.
Thinking of all of his family with my deepest sympathy and caring. I am very sorry for your loss.
Vicky Horne, Moore SC

Marie McMahan

July 11, 2016

Betty, I first met Tim so many years ago when I would occasionally pick him up to bring him to the American Red Cross for his frequent blood donations. Over the years, I looked forward to his Christian encouragement, smiles, and incredible wit. He once told me I was the only person he knew who would show my daughter's wedding pictures to a blind man and just laughed and laughed. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. My prayers are with you and your family knowing our Lord will give you the peace and comfort you need.

July 11, 2016

Dear Betty, how I wish I could be there for the service. Tim was the finest soul. I remember how highly Mom and Dad spoke of you both. I send you a big hug ...from me....but also from my late parents. love, Genie Sherman Brown

Gail Kopp

July 11, 2016

This joy-filled fellow Disciple, friend in vision loss and lover of life in Christ will forever hold a special place in my heart. Betty, I am sending you love and praying comfort and strength in the arms of Jesus.

Susan Davis

July 11, 2016

Betty and Family: Tim was a beacon on our hill and for 16 1/2 years we were blessed to call you and Tim our friends and neighbors. This picture easily depicts Bethany's love for Tim and Ben loved him too. Ben reminded me yesterday that Tim gave him his first job moving your lawn. Bethany told me her fondest memory was the time he went sledding with us. When we look back, the fact that a legally blind man would get on the back of a sled with the Davis Family is downright scary. I'm sure he was smiling going down that hill.

We will miss our friend and will be thinking of you and your family as you grieve the loss of such a wonderful husband and father.

David Ford

July 11, 2016

Tim was such a great person and friend. He encouraged me so many times about my music. Everyone always wanted to be on an Emmaus walk
with Tim because of his great Love for Jesus and his prayers that reached the heavens. Betty our prayers and love are with you.

Randall Garland

July 11, 2016

Betty and Family,

You have our heartfelt prayers during this time. Tim was one of the good ones. Blue Ridge Emmaus was so blessed to have Tim and Betty as prayer warriors. Thanks so much for being in the Prayer Chapel on Walk #76 and being a part of our team. I will never forget Tim's jokes and often tell them to others. My favorite one is when a blind man and his seeing eye dog walk into this bar and order a drink. A few minutes later the blind man picks up his dog by the tail and starts swinging him aroung over his head. The bartender asks him, What are you doing? The blind man replies, "I'm just looking around". This was when I first met Tim. He was a tremendous blessing and so are you Betty. Will be praying. Randall Garland and Family

April Conover

July 11, 2016

I was so sorry to hear of Tim's passing. He was one of the sweetest people I know and always had a smile on his face and a hug to give. I know all who knew him will miss Tim so much!

Gil Dresback

July 11, 2016

One of the finest men I know has died. Who had the best jokes in the world...? Who gave his own blood that so many others could live..? Who loved his wife just exactly the way it's supposed to be done? Who had two wonderful children that knew they were loved from day #1...? This list could go on and on and on. Tim Towery will be missed...not just in our church ..but to hundreds that he touched their hearts with his sincere care of others. My heart is warmed knowing my friend can now see...and just how cool is that...?
"And all God's children said".....AMEN and AMEN Tim.

Rick & Eva Farren

July 11, 2016

Betty,
Tim was a remarkable man who showed Christ to all he met. He always had a smile and Rick & I loved him so much. He was such a good friend to us and such a great prayer warrior. Heaven has gained another saint and Tim not only can see but has seen the face of God. We know you will miss him so much. He will be missed by so many, but we will celebrate his time on this earth knowing he is with his Savior. May God hold you in His arms and give you and your family the peace that only he can give. Know that you all are in our prayers. God Bless

Jackie and Nancy Hughes

July 10, 2016

Betty, Our hearts are heavy because we will miss Tim so very much!! He was one very special man!! Know we are holding you and all the children and grandchildren up in prayer!! We love you very much!! Heaven has received another true saint!!! God bless you!!

Brenda Walker

July 10, 2016

Betty,
My prayers accompany you as you begin this journey of grief. My thoughts & prayers will surround you. Love to you & your beautiful family.

Martha Lain

July 10, 2016

To all the Towery family, I send heartfelt prayers and deepest condolences. I knew Tim for many years while we were both involved in the Asheville Low Vision community. He was unfailingly supportive, warm, welcoming and compassionate. There's no telling how many people he helped come to terms with disability through his work in voc rehab and later with visually-impaired people with whom he came in contact. He radiated God's love to all. Rest in peace dear Tim.

Clarence Batts

July 10, 2016

Betty, my heart and soul cry out in both joy and pain for you and our dear friend Tim. Both God bless you both still.
Love,
Clarence

corinne and ed blakley

July 10, 2016

We had the privilege of getting to know Tim when he married our daughter Amanda and his nephew,Ryan . Tim was humble,caring and had a quick humor. He faced life's troubles with dignity, a smile and a prayer. Our sympathy to his entire family for your loss Corinne and Ed Blakley

Henry & Mary Saam

July 10, 2016

Dearest Ruth and Family,

We are praying that God's love and tender mercy surround you and comfort you in this time of sorrow. May your memories of Tim's courage, his love of life and love for all of you bring happy memories to mind to ease your grief. He touched the hearts of more than you will ever know.

"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let the Perpetual Light shine upon him. May his soul and the soul of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen"

Nancy Flippin

July 10, 2016

I am so saddened at the loss of this bright light. Tim was such a kind and caring man. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Betty, during this time.

Lisa Wright

July 10, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Julie Saam

July 10, 2016

We have heard such wonderful things about Mr. Tower from his amazing daughter, Ruth. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. God bless, The Saams, Steve, Julie, Maria and Henry

Brenda Hudgins

July 10, 2016

Tim was a wonderful person. I first met him when he worked with Voc Rehab. He was my late husbands counselor. When he came to visit, he always left with my home canned corn Relish. I am thankful for the memories. Tim, give my husband a great big hug from me. My thoughts and prayers for this wonderful mans family.

Judy and Phil Jones

July 9, 2016

Betty, Bart & Ruth: Tim was one of the most incredible people on earth; his love of life was what all should strive for. His courage and strength were unmatched. His love of people showed in everything he did and said. In all that he endured, he was more concerned with the well being of others than he was for himself and never failed to reach out to those who were struggling. We were blessed by his presence and his friendship. You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers.

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Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

First Baptist Church

5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC

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