Bowers, Bill Cleveland, age 84 of Claxton, passed away on October 3, 2012, at his residence. Bill was born in Minneapolis, North Carolina on February 18, 1928. He grew up around the coal mining area of Superior, West Virginia. Bill served in the United States Army as a tank commander during the Korean War. He graduated from East Tennessee State University with a degree in accounting. He was presented with the Wall Street Journal Award from ETSU for the most advanced student. Bill married the former Rita Smith of Minneapolis, NC on May 29, 1954. Bill worked at the Department of Energy at Oak Ridge as an accountant and contract negotiator for 30 years, then at Analysas Corp. in Oak Ridge for an additional eight years. Although Bill had always enjoyed his career, he also enjoyed his retirement, travelling with his wife on group excursions all over the country, tinkering with his prized vintage Buick Riviera, following UT football, and just spending quiet time at his home reflecting on the deeper issues of life. He was an active member and former officer of the Claxton Optimist Club, and a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, and was affiliated with Edgemoor Baptist Church. Bill Bowers was an exemplary husband, daddy, father-in-law, granddaddy, neighbor, and mentor. He was preceded in death by parents, Laura and William Bowers, and brothers, Gerald Bowers and Ray Bowers. He is survived by beloved wife of 58 years, Rita Smith Bowers; cherished daughter Caroline (Steve) Brown of Lebanon, TN; and his only and "favorite granddaughter", Erin Turner Brown, of Nashville, TN. Visitation will be Thursday, October 11, 2012 at Edgemoor Baptist Church, 330 Old Emory Rd, Claxton, Tennessee from 5pm to 7pm with Memorial Service to follow immediately thereafter. Interment will be the following day at Mountain Home National Cemetery, Johnson City, TN. Family, friends, and former employees will serve as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Claxton Optimist Club, Edgemoor Baptist Church, or Minneapolis Christian Church. Arrangements entrusted to Woodhaven Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 160 Edgemoor Road, Claxton, 865-945-3461. www.woodhavenfh.com