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Karl Bowers Obituary

Karl Smith Bowers COLUMBIA, SC - A memorial service for Karl Smith Bowers, 70, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 3, 2012 at Ashland United Methodist Church. Interment will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2012 in Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 2, 2012 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Irmo/St. Andrews Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ashland United Methodist Church, 2600 Ashland Road, Columbia, SC 29210 or to Camp Kemo, Suite 203, Seven Richland Medical Park, Columbia, SC 29203 or to Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, 3000 South Beltline Blvd., Columbia, SC 29201. Mr. Bowers was born October 13, 1941 in Estill, SC and passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2012. He was a son of the late Kimmie Smith Bowers and Mary Virginia Shuman Bowers. Mr. Bowers was a member of Ashland United Methodist Church. The Estill native was the youngest magistrate elected in South Carolina, and served as President of the SC Magistrates Association. Mr. Bowers served as Chairman of the SC Highway Commission from 1974 to 1977 and was named Chairman Emeritus. He was later appointed as Federal Highway Administrator by President Jimmy Carter and served from 1977 to 1980. Mr. Bowers retired in 1983 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel from the South Carolina Air National Guard after twenty-two years of service. Following his government service, Mr. Bowers had a successful career in the private sector with Stevens and Wilkinson and Site Consultants. Mr. Bowers is survived by his wife, Susan Davis Bowers of Columbia; sons, Karl S. "Butch" Bowers, Jr. (Julie) of Columbia, Timothy Blair "Tim" Bowers (Keri) of Johns Island, SC and Kelvin Neal Bowers (Michelle) of Myrtle Beach; seven grandchildren; sister, Miriam Bowers of Estill; brother, Lee Shuman Bowers (Leslie) of Estill; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Rosalynd Bowers McGee. www.caughmanharmanfuneralhome.net Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/ deaths

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Karl Bowers

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Alex Saunders

January 25, 2021

Awesome friend who was good to me in DC when I worked as an Intern for a Senator and he was in Presidents Carter's cabinet.

Cat Saunders

January 25, 2019

Karl treated me so good when he was Transportation Sec. in DC. At the same time I was an Intern for a year with Strom Thurmond in DC. Karl gave me NBA tickets, offered to take me with he and Susan on a trip for the US Gov't to help with the kids. If I felt homesick, I could go to his office and be at home! He was a awesome person and public servant. I am very proud to call him a true friend.

March 1, 2012

Dear Susan,

We just heard tonight about Karl's passing. We are so terribly sorry and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

May God bless you,
Joe and Jan Pieroni
St. Augustine, FL

February 9, 2012

Susan & Children,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Karl. Please know that you and your children are in our thoughts and prayers. Charles & Polly

Levi Abbott

February 8, 2012

Susan, I am so sorry for your loss and just found out today of his passing. I had no idea that Karl was that ill.

I only knew y'all for about 5 years but I felt very close to y'all.

American legion post #6 will not be the same without Karl.

I am proud to have known him and called him my friend.

Levi. W. Abbott JR.

Mardee Goettee Brooks

February 8, 2012

Susan and Family,
I was so very sorry to learn of Karl's passing. I grew up in Estill and admired him for his many successes in life. Also appreciated his kindness to my uncle, Robert Gifford.
Remember a lovely dinner party that you and Karl attended at Linda Gillespie's home while four of us from Estill High Classes of '62 and '63 were visiting.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Mardee Goettee Brooks

Margaret H. Rush

February 6, 2012

Susan and Family,

I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am to learn of Karl's passing. My greatest regret is not knowing of his failing health. Although I took the time in years gone by to say thank you, I would certainly like to have spent some time with him to one again thank him for all the support he gave me when I served on the S.C. Highway Commission. I represented the 9th Judicial Circuit.

When all the funding was lost on the James Island Bridge in Charleston, S.C., I got guidance from Karl on how to get the Federal Funds restored. Because of Karl Bowers, my team and I were successful in meeting with the Secretary of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administrator in Washington, D.C. The funds were restored, and the rest is history.

It was Karl Bowers that recommended my name to President Jimmy Carter for appointment to the National Outdoor Advertising and Beautification Council.

Karl Bowers made an impact on all that he met, and I will never forget him. Please know that Karl was my mentor, and I credit him with much of my success during the years that I served on the Commission.

You and your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Respectfully,

Margaret H. Rush
Former Highways & Public Transportation Commissioner

February 5, 2012

Dear Tim, Keri and Family
"Our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this most difficult time." Love you guys......The Nave Family, Michael, AJ, Troy, Joe and Clair!

February 4, 2012

Susan & Family, Our deepest sympathy is with you and your family during this difficult time. Our years of knowing Karl when working with LG was such found memories of him being a real Southern Gentleman, so kind and nice to everyone he met. Our thoughts and prayers are with you & your family.
God's Blessings, Linda & James Laird

Laura McKenzie

February 4, 2012

Our deepest condolences are sent to all the Bowers family. Ned, Laura and Marion McKenzie.

Chuck & Amy Mikell

February 4, 2012

Susan and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Karl will be greatly missed. I am sorry were not able to attend Karl's services as we had a family funeral to attend.

Frances Davis

February 3, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Frances Davis
(Davis Swimming Pool)
[email protected]

February 3, 2012

Susan,
We learned of Karl's passing through an email today from Ruby Ramsay. We remember you and Karl and your family from our days in Estill. Know that you are in our prayers.
Lamar and Jean Holley

February 3, 2012

I loved seeing your Dad picking up William at carpool on Fridays for their special lunch. Let us know if you need anything. Love, The Roddeys

February 3, 2012

I was so sorry to read that Karl had passed away. I worked in The Adjutant General's Office for over 30 years and was always glad to see him. He was such a wonderful person to talk to and always smiling. May God bless you and your family. Maggie Lankford (West Columbia, SC)

Angela Suggs

February 3, 2012

We are so sorry to hear of Karl's passing. Although he left this world much too early, Karl left his mark on it in so many ways. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to all of the Bowers family. May God be with you at this difficult time. John & Angela (Smith) Suggs, Cornelius, NC

Lee and Miriam (Kittles) Rhyne

February 3, 2012

We are so sorry to hear of Karl's death. He was a special friend of ours many years ago. We moved away and lost touch but we thought a lot of him. Our prayers are with the family.

Ernie Gooding Evensen

February 3, 2012

As a Hampton county native, I knew Karl all my life. Please accept my sincere sympathies on your loss

Vince Ellis

February 3, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Mary LaFave

February 3, 2012

Lindsey, Lee, and the entire Bowers Family:

Although I did not know him personally, Karl seems to have been an incredible human being who touched lives and inspired many. I know he will be missed. My sincerest condolences to your family during this difficult time.

Ginny Braddock

February 3, 2012

Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed being in water class with Karl. We all admired his determination so much. He was such a kind and pleasant person. He always seemed to keep a positive outlook. I have been following his progress through our mutual friends. It seemed so unfair that he fought so hard to recover from the stroke only to have to fight cancer. It seems sometimes that the best people get the hardest tests. You are in my prayers.

Richard Able

February 2, 2012

Susan and family. Sorry for your lost.
The 1970's were some good times for us. Karl will be missed.

Debbie McDaniel

February 2, 2012

Our friendship with you and Susan is something we will always treasure.
Debbie and Ralph

Connie and Hank Lane

February 2, 2012

Dear Susan and family, We just learned that Karl passed away and can't even imagine the depth of your loss. Karl was such an inspiration to so many people - a true gentleman with an obvious heart for Jesus! Please know that you are in our prayers.

Roy Strozier

February 2, 2012

Susan and boys,

I was so sorry to hear about Karl. He was the first person I met when I moved into Estill. He taught me to drink--not sure if that was good or bad. We had some good times together. I will certainly miss him. I plan to get to the funeral tomorrow.

Bob Lilly

February 2, 2012

Neal, Michelle, and family. Priscilla and I are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Elaine Allcut

February 2, 2012

Greg and Elaine send their condolences for Karl's too-early demise. I remember Cousin Karl from when he and Lee were growing up with Kenneth, Beth, Ralph and I. The family sends their regrets.

Hughsie and Virgie Long

February 2, 2012

To the family of Karl Bowers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief., may your memories bring you comfort.

Richie Ambrose

February 2, 2012

The Ambrose family gives you our most heartfelt condolence during this time. Mr Bowers was always a pleasure to be around.

Bramblett and Landis Bradham

February 2, 2012

We were so sorry to hear of Karls passing. May the comfort of God help during this difficult time.

Jennifer Rucker

February 2, 2012

Susan you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Carl will be deeply missed. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Jennifer and Mike

Aline Newton & Family

February 2, 2012

We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Bowers' passing. He always greeted you with a smile. Although he has not lived here for years, the Estill Community will surely miss him. May God comfort and strengthen you and your family during your time of need.

John & Debbie Marshall

February 2, 2012

To Butch and the Bower's extended family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Debbie and I both had the pleasure of knowing Karl from his distinguished service in the SCANG, he was a good man and served his country well, there is no higher honor. Celebrate his life, and always keep the great memories close.

Tanda and Phil Fleming

February 2, 2012

Butch and family, Phil and I are sorry the loss of your father. Phil always talks fondly of him when he was commander of the Seurity Forces Squadron. He says those were the good old days.

Lou Ann Duff

February 2, 2012

Susan,
We are very sorry for your loss. Gary and I enjoyed our time with you both so much in Florida. In a short amount of time it is amazing how people touch our lives. You and Karl surely did. You and your family are in our prayers.
Gary and Lou Ann Duff

Candy Mielke

February 2, 2012

Ms Susan, Mike and I enjoyed our visit with you both in November of last year so much that the news of Mr. Karl's passing saddens us both deeply. We are so very sorry for your loss and pray for peace and comfort for all of you during this time and beyond.
Love,
Mike, Candy and MJ Mielke

Rita & Charles Collins

February 1, 2012

We were so saddened to learn of Karl's death. Karl was my high school sweetheart and will always hold a special place in my heart. Charles met Karl on several occasions and was very impressed with him. He wishes he could have gotten to know him better. Susan, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We enjoyed speaking with Neil tonight and he is such a nice young man. Love to you all, Rita (Kittles) and Charles Collins.

Mary Louise Resch

February 1, 2012

Susan, you and your family are in my prayers. Karl was a wonderful man and I will miss our political discussions. Please let me know if there is anything I can do during this difficult time. Mary Louise

Ron and Donna Harter

February 1, 2012

We are saddened by Karl's passing but know he is in a better place and we pray God's tender mercies for his family and many, many friends. He changed the lives of so many people for the better and always had a good word. God Bless You.

Shannon Burns

February 1, 2012

Susan, you and your family have all our sympthy. Shannon and Sandy Burns. Little Rock, Arkansas

Nancy Komatz

February 1, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Susan, at this difficult time. All my memories of Karl are happy ones and the love you two shared was inspirational. I believe that love is stronger than death and that Karl's spirit will never be far from you. Hugs and kisses, Nancy Cesca Komatz

February 1, 2012

Susan, Butch, Neil and Tim,
I extend my deepest sympathy to you in this difficult time. I first met Karl in 1985 when he hired me and Doug Bearden to begin a Transportation division at Stevens and Wilkinson.
From that very first meeting, I have always felt a tremendous respect and admiration for Karl. He was a true and sincere friend. He was never too busy or inconvenienced to see you if there were something on your mind. As much as I tried to convince him otherwise, he always felt he owed me something for "luring" (his word) me from a secure job to take a chance on this new venture. If anything, it was me that owed Karl. He took me under his wing and taught me more about business, people and character than most learn in a full life time. I didn't see Karl as much as I wish I would have over the past few years. I have no one to blame for that but myself. Anytime I asked if we could get together his response was always "when and where".
Susan, I'm glad I came by that Sunday afternoon a couple of months ago. I thoroughly enjoyed talking and sharing some memories that afternoon. I told Karl this on many occasions, and I truly meant it. He was like a second father to me. He will be missed.
All of you are in my prayers.

Allan Fowler
West Columbia

Ed & Donna Cox

February 1, 2012

Neal,
We were sadden to hear the news of the passing of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and Michelle, and all the Bowers family. You have great memories to cherish. May God Bless each of you during this time and the days ahead.

Sheryl Abbott

February 1, 2012

So sorry to hear of the Bowers' family loss. I worked at Stevenson and Wilkinson several years ago with Karl. He has left quite a legency of family and many friends. Karl was one of the nicest men I have ever worked with. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.

Russ Patterson

February 1, 2012

Sorry for your loss Tim. We are thinking about you and your family and also praying for yall. Take care.

Greg Prewitt

February 1, 2012

RIP Karl. Had many a good time with you and dad over the years. God Bless my friend.

Lee and Daytona Jarman

February 1, 2012

Susan,
We are so sad to hear of Karl's passing. He was a wonderful, helpful and sincere man. Please accept our sincerest condolences. You are in our thought and prayers

February 1, 2012

Karl was such a special and caring person.As an employee with the Department of Highways & Public Transportation, I worked with Karl when he served on the Highway Commission.He was always so nice and concerned for all. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Marie Anderson
Columbia, SC

Bridget Longway

February 1, 2012

Susan, I just received the sad news. I am so sorry. Karl was such a wonderful and special man. You and Karl both are such a special parts of ours lives. I regret that I have not see ya'll since Gregory's graduation. I am so ashamed! My thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family. He will be missed so much. Dad will miss him, he loved that man. I love you

John Rush

February 1, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers with the entire family.

Debby Chassereau

February 1, 2012

Miss Susan, Neil and family: You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. Karl was a wonderful and kind man. He will be missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him.

Cat Saunders

February 1, 2012

One of my mentors has passed away. A person who really cared about the State of South Carolina, a man from a meek background who never forgot who he was and where he came from. A man with a vision. A man who politically built the bridge to Hilton Head and many other projects. A man who treated me with dignity and concern for my well being. A member of Uncle Jimmy Carters Cabinet in Washington, DC (Transportation Adm). As a Intern in DC to Strom Thurmond during that time, a friend who showed me the ropes and made me feel at home 538 miles away from home. God Bless you Karl Bowers and know that your life was appreciated.

Andrea (Banco) Jeffcoat

February 1, 2012

Susan, I remember you and your husband from EdenGardens. I'm sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sali Parker Morris

February 1, 2012

So very sorry to hear of your loss in Mr. Bowers passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

February 1, 2012

Susan, so sorry for your loss, remember fondly of the visits to your home as I was growing up in Estill, you are remembered in my prayers, Catherine Logan, (W. Col)

Faye Rhodes Crittenden

February 1, 2012

Susan,
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know Karl will be greatly missed.

David Jordan

February 1, 2012

I was sorry to read about Karl's passing. He did a great job when he was Chairman of the SC Highway Commission and also when he worked for Stevens & Wilkinson. He was always a good friend of our family.

Jennifer Griffin- Hornsby

February 1, 2012

Butch and family I am so sorry for your loss

Les Hanna Harper

February 1, 2012

Heaven is a better place today. I will truly miss Karl. He was the definition of a true southern gentleman. After being in the construction world together for 25 years, me as the GC and Karl as the Architect, it felt like we were conquering the world. Leaving buildings behind throughout the southeast as legacys. My love to Ms Susan and her family. Thank you all for Always making me feel loved.
Les Hanna Harper,Columbia,SC

February 1, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. May God be with you. Rodney & Nell Causey, St George, SC (Originally from Furman, SC)

Ryan Luthren

February 1, 2012

I was sorry to hear about Karl's passing. I have a lot of great memories tailgating & hanging around Williams-Brice with Karl, Susan, Butch, Neal, & Tim as a youngster. Please accept my condolences.

Tim & Marilyn Tyler

February 1, 2012

We were deeply saddeth to hear of Karl's death. Our prayers are with the family. He truly will be missed. He was a good friend for many years and I will miss him.

Joe Bostick

February 1, 2012

Susan,I am so sorry to hear about Karl. As you know,we grew up together in Estill and he was one of my close friends. I will have you in my prayers.

Joe Bostick, Estill, S.C.

Sherri Faulk

February 1, 2012

Susan,

I'm so sorry to hear of Karl's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Georgia Famuliner

February 1, 2012

Our condolences to the Bowers family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

February 1, 2012

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Although I have not seen anyone in the family for many years, I always thought very highly of you all. Larry Saunders, Jr. (Lexington, SC)

John, Chris, Ray and James Clardy

February 1, 2012

The Clardy Family offers sincere sympathy for today-- and deepest hope in tomorrow. Peace be upon you all.

Jeannie Bond

February 1, 2012

Susan,
Mom and I have you, and all of your family, in our thoughts and prayers.

Love and hugs to all of you.
Jeannie and Matilda

mary clare mcabee

February 1, 2012

Susan, I am so sorry about Karl. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. He was a gentleman and a friend and always helping others.

Sandy and Tommy Rhodes

February 1, 2012

As you and your family face this life's' change, we pray that you will find strength in each other . God gives us the ability to change as life changes around us. Our love to each one of you. Tommy and Sandy Rhodes

Leah Gantt

February 1, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Frances Davis

February 1, 2012

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that ALL of you are in my prayers.

Frances Davis
[email protected]

Judy Rivers

January 31, 2012

Susan, please accept my deepest sympathy at your loss. You and Karl were like family to us. We grew up together, our families both had siblings the same age. Karl will always be remembered as a genuine friend to everyone who knew him. God bless you all. Love, Judy Rivers & family

RoseNan

January 31, 2012

The Elliott and Dobson families offer their deepest and heartfelt condolences during this most difficult time.

The Staff of Caughman-Harman Funeral Home

January 31, 2012

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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