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BORN
1941
DIED
2017
Robert Sowders Obituary
Vonore, TN
Robert "Bob" E. Sowders passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at the age of 75.
Bob is survived by his wife, Delores Byrum Sowders; children: son, Jim and wife, Tammy; daughter Leanna and husband Scot Thurman, and daughter Ellen and husband Mickie Berry. Stepchildren: Lara Ramsey and husband Patrick; Keith Buckner and wife Katie.
Bob loved his grandchildren and was so proud of them: James Hunter Sowders and wife Sarah, and first great-granddaughter, Clair Dawn; Bradley Sowders, Breeanne Sowders Holt and husband Jason; Taylor and Tyler Thurman; step-grandchildren: Jessica, Charis, Maggie, Heidi, and Josie Ramsey and Isabella Buckner.
He is also survived by step-mother Anne Sowders; sisters Pam Byrd and husband Jim, Connie Heiskell and husband Mike; brothers Ted Sowders and wife Sarah, and Tony Sowders and wife Patsy; brothers-in-law Commie Byrum; Mark Byrum and wife, Pat; sisters-in-law Sherryl Byrum Davis and husband Tom; Kimberly Byrum Owens and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, James Robert Sowders and Ruth King Sowders.
Bob was born on September 22, 1941 in Monroe County, TN, graduated from Friendsville High School, and worked at the Aluminum Company of America for 38 years. Bob was an avid sportsman especially loving deer hunting and fishing. He was a lifetime member, previous chief, board member, and held other positions with the Blount County Rescue Squad and Greenback Emergency Rescue Squad for over 40 years. Bob was also on the board of directors of Alcoa Tenn Federal Credit Union for over 20 years. He was an active member of Dotson Memorial Baptist Church and loved teaching his Sunday School class.
A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Sunday, July 2nd at 2:30 p.m. at Dotson Memorial Baptist Church with receiving of friends to follow. We are compiling a Memory Book for Bob's children and grandchildren. If you have a memory of Bob that you would like to share, there will be a memory box for you to place a written copy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Blount County Rescue Squad, P O Box 218, Alcoa, TN 37701 or Greenback Emergency Rescue Squad, 6815 Morganton Road, Greenback, TN 37742.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Sowders
Dee Kibble-Klug
June 22, 2020
Remember Bob as a fun loving, friendly person, a person you enjoyed being around
Dee Klug
January 27, 2018
My prayer is with the family that healing is at a point of acceptance now.
Dee Kibble Klug, Classmate at Hiwasee College
Geneva Raby
June 29, 2017
What a loving kind person Bobby was. He leaves so many great memories to all of us. I will miss him so much.Love and prayers to Deloras and his siblings, children and grandchildren Aunt Geneva
bill ferguson
June 29, 2017
Bobby was a classmate and a good friend. We played football under the excellent leadership of coach Warren Headrick. Bobby was tough, strong, and dedicated. He played guard and I could not have ask to play beside a better teammate. His passing brings tears to my eyes but in has helped to bring back some wonderful memories.
goodby Bobby, see you later.
Elise Eaton
June 29, 2017
Penny, So sorry for your loss. lLove and miss you guys, Greg Eaton Family
Marge Bidwell
June 28, 2017
Bobby was the greatest. I will miss him and his love of doing fun things especially to his Aunts.
Taken from Bobby's junior year at Friendsville High School yearbook.
Judy Ferguson
June 28, 2017
What a great man and a great family. Know that he will be sorely missed by all.
I grew up near the Sowders family on Big Springs Ridge Road. Bobby and his family were the greatest neighbors.
My condolences to Bobby's family.
Jerry Cornelius
June 28, 2017
Prayers and thoughts go out to the family during this time. Always Bob and the others over the years when I was able to attend the Sowders reunions. A soldier has gone home.
Kim & Bob Douglas
June 28, 2017
Last night I was remembering when Bobby & Delores came down and we went fishing out on the point at St. Andrews State Park. Delores remember when Bobby caught that beautiful Redfish? It was yummy. You both have been an important part of our lives here at the beach. There are so many adventures that come to my mind. Driving through the storm to Mobile to see the Dead Sea Scrolls. Bobby and I taking Bob's bass boat to the lake and taking a cruise around, lol. So many times have created wonderful memories. Love you Bobby and we will miss you. The only consolation is we know you are in the arms of our Lord.
My favorite picture and a most precious memory. This was taken on May 28th at great granddaughter, Clair's christening.
Tammy Sowders
June 28, 2017
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