Ralph D. Bowers Jr.

 

Ralph D. Bowers, Jr. of Gretna, Louisiana, son of the late Edna Weinnig Bowers and Ralph D. Bowers, Sr., passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at the age of 70.  He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Terri; two children, Erin Bowers (Jason Wilcox) and Matthew Bowers; two stepsons, Robbie and Nicholas Traylor; his sister, Linda Gipson (Larry); his half-brother, Mickie J. Bowers (JoEtta); his nieces, Lori Billiot (Timmy), Vicki Duplantier, Roxy Rivas; and great-nieces and nephews; his partners-in-crime a/k/a brothers-in-law, Stan Breedlove and Mark Limsky; and his in-laws, Stan and Judy Breedlove.  Ralph is preceded in death by his parents; his cherished nephew/godchild, Larry H. Gipson, Jr.; half-sister, Gretchen “Elaine” Shepherd; stepsister, Jeanne F. Duplantier (Ferdie); and his stepmothers, Yvonne Z. Bowers and Janet B. Bowers.  Ralph also leaves behind his very special friend, Benny Grunch.  When the two of them were together in studio, there was no stopping their creativity.  He also leaves behind his four-legged daughter, Lucy, his best friend.  They spent every day side by side doing the things they loved, like bike riding, taking walks, and going to the park.  They had a heartwarming way of understanding each other.   
Ralph was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 23, 1953.  He was a graduate of Chalmette High School.  Ralph worked for thirty years in military flight simulation for the Department of Defense at the Naval Air Station in Belle Chasse and retired in 2019.  Ralph is best known as an incredibly talented musician and played the bass guitar regularly in the New Orleans area for 55 years with both local and national musicians and bands.  Ralph also had his own home studio and produced music for many artists, including Benny Grunch & the Bunch, as well as Jimmy Elledge’s final album.  Music is what drove him; it was his passion.
Ralph had a laugh that could make anyone smile.  He enjoyed traveling, going to concerts, Mardi Gras parades, and taking drives to nowhere with his wife and family.  He lived his life to the fullest and was able to travel the United States playing his guitar.  In the end, he said that he lived his life the way he wanted to – playing music.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life to be held on Monday, September 25, 2023, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Mel Ott Park Recreation Center, 2301 Belle Chasse Hwy, Gretna, Louisiana.