Theodore Bowers Obituary

Theodore J. Bowers

Charleston - Theodore J. Bowers, 80, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025.

A celebration of life will be held at the family home on James Island Friday, December 12th from 2pm to 6pm.

Ted, Teddy, or Ol'Ted, but never Theodore, was born in Charleston on January 8, 1945, to George and Hazel (neé Burns) Bowers.

Voted Best Looking at Rivers High School (Class of 1963) and Worst Bowler in the 1983 Spokane bowling league, Ted traveled the country serving honorably as a member of the Air Force Reserves and as a Project Engineer with Koch Industries for decades, making friends and collecting stories everywhere he went. Atlanta, Spokane, Philadelphia, Oklahoma City, Wichita, Waco, and even Greer saw Ted for a week or two at a time. Despite the travel, or maybe because of it, Ol'Ted refused to move from his hometown of Charleston and always returned, even if it was just for the weekend. Forever a Charleston Boy, he remembered fondly growing up downtown with the "Hampton Park Boys" and enjoyed nothing more than being on the water. He was an avid boater and fisherman, even earning multiple trophies in the Charleston Christmas Parade of Boats, which are still proudly on display three decades later. He put his skills to the test riding out Hugo on his boat, the Camilot. Recounting his "survival" became a favorite story of his to share on the porch.

Ted spent, in his words, a "siesta" at the University of South Carolina and while he earned his associate's degree in mechanical engineering as one of the first graduating classes of Trident Technical College, his love for the Gamecocks never wavered: "There is always next year."

The methodical and organized Ted's world was forever changed when he met the love of his life and wife, Laura. She brought love, laughter, a bit of fun chaos, and a gaggle of sisters into his life. Immediately smitten, Ted successfully wooed Laura with his humor, good nature, and his classic "Steady Teddy" reliability, then took her to see the world. The two spent 40 years together, laughing until the very end.

His pride and joy (after his boat) was his daughter, Hailey. He could usually be found sporting a hat or shirt based on her latest endeavors– university, tennis, sorority, internship, or work– he was her biggest fan and had the gear to prove it. Ted entertained and supported generations of family and friends in countless ways, from a midnight ride or a breezeway story time to helping with math homework.

We hope you think of him when you see a beautiful sunset over the water, think of one of the many stories he was a part of, hear someone with that old Charlestonian accent, or pass the Hunley replica outside the Charleston Museum. He will be greeted by his big brother Bubba, best friend Elmo, #1 fan Connie, and "his" dog Delilah.

Ted was preceded in death by his father, George Bowers, mother, Hazel Bowers, and brother George Bowers.

Ted is survived by his wife, Laura Teague Bowers, daughter Hailey Rhame Bowers, sister Georgiann "Cookie" Hutchinson (William), and brother Robert "Bobby" Bowers (Linda), and many other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Pet Helpers James Island and the Good Cheer Fund.

We invite you to share a memory and sign our guest book.