David Bowers

1951 - 2021

David Bowers
July 14, 1951 - December 23, 2021
Durham, North Carolina - David J. Bowers, a resident of Durham, North Carolina, died of a cardiac event in a home he loved on December 23, 2021.
David was born on July 14, 1951, in Circleville, Ohio to parents Ellen and John Bowers. In 1977, he graduated from nursing school, where he met his wife, Donette. That same year, they moved to Durham, and David began working as a Registered Nurse at Duke University Medical Center. He dedicated much of his life to nursing in adolescent psychiatry and orthopedics. An amputee himself, he took great pride and joy in serving his patients, notably fellow amputees. David was known for the gift of gab, his infectious laugh, and meticulous care. In addition to building a career there, he was also an avid Duke basketball fan.
David loved nothing more than cruising the road, windows down, music blaring. He often sought out beautiful sunrises or sunsets, the closer to water, the better; he could find beauty in most anything outdoors. The simplest pleasures brought him joy: feeding the birds or deer, reading a book with a grandkid, Buckeyes football, and a phone call with one of his siblings. Christmas was David's favorite time of year, when he delivered his homemade beef stick to friends and shucked more oysters than his family could eat.
David is survived by his wife, Donette; their daughters, Annie Gentithes (George) and Casey Ball (Jon); grandchildren, Ruby, Violet, Cora, and Henry; his three siblings, John (Liz), Peter (Marcia), and Elizabeth (Joel). He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ellen Bowers.
There will be a celebration of David's life at a later date. To honor his life, donations can be made to Meals on Wheels of Durham, where David volunteered his love of the road, conversation, and Durham's local community.