Ernest Bowers Obituary

Ernest "Squirrel" Bowers

September 18, 2025

Ernest "Squirrel" Bowers (Mr. B) of the Blue Springs Community passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Sycamore Shoals Hospital with his family by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hicks and Addie Pearl Wilson Bowers; his wife, Gwendolyn Bowers; his brothers, Eugene Bowers, Allen Bowers, Fane Bowers and Shirrell Bowers; his sister, Maude Netherton; his sister-in-law, Betty Bowers; and a precious great granddaughter, Abigail Grindstaff.

Ernie worked for Summer and Taylor for 20 years in the concrete division and worked Strip Mining Coal in Virginia for 20 years. He was always there to help and worked so hard all of his life. He enjoyed having his garage open for business for yard sales, sitting on his porch with Tinkerbell and listening to Gospel music. Ernie was of the Free Will Baptist faith.

Ernie is survived by his daughter, Tina Bowers Westgate and her husband Jeff; his grandchildren, Amber Morris and Brandon Grindstaff and wife Lauren; his great grandchildren, Ian Honaker, Jaret Taylor, Logan Grindstaff and Cooper Grindstaff; his sisters, Dorothy (Alvin) Beard and Gaylene (Steve) Woodby; his sisters-in-law, Wanda Bowers and Judy Bowers; his step children, Kimberly Cantrell, Sabrina Cantrell and Jamie Cantrell; his special step granddaughter, Trinity Cantrell; and his faithful dog, Tinkerbell, whom he loved so much. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A celebration of Ernie's life will be conducted at 4:00 PM on Sunday, September 21, 2025 in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton with Ernie's grandson, Brandon Grindstaff giving a eulogy. The family will receive friends between the hours of 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM in the funeral home chapel prior to the service on Sunday.

The graveside service will follow in the Pearl Bowers Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Dakota Wilson, Doug Woodby, Thomas Proffitt and Gary Kemp. Honorary pallbearers will be Brandon Grindstaff, Jeff Westgate, Ian Honaker, Jared Thomas, Logan Grindstaff, Cooper Grindstaff, Becky Guy and Vickie Bryant Chaney.

The family would like to say a special Thank You to the nursing staff on the second and third floor of Sycamore Shoals Hospital, Ballad Hospice and Doctor Victoria Shankle for the expert care that Mr. Bowers received while being ill.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Pearl Bowers Cemetery for the upkeep, Brandon Grindstaff, 104 House of Prayer Road, Elizabethton, TN 37643.

Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the family of Mr. Ernest (Mr.B) Bowers. Office phone: (423) 542-2232.