Elbert Elford Bowers, 86, husband of Bobbie Poole Bowers, died Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at his home.

Born in Six Mile, he was a son of the late J. C. and Ernestine Clark Bowers. Elbert dedicated his life to the paving and grading industry, proudly owning and operating Tri-State Paving & Grading. As a former member of the National Asphalt & Paving Association, he earned a reputation as a hard worker whose dedication to his craft was second only to his devotion to his family. Even at 86, you could still find him behind the wheel of his 18-wheeler, hauling quarry rock and boasting about his ability to haul more loads in a day than anyone else.

He was a loving husband to his wife Bobbie, with whom he shared 50 wonderful years of marriage. Their bond was an inspiration, and together they created a family filled with love. Elbert cherished his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, never missing an event and always making time to be present in their lives. He and Bobbie reveled in traveling the world together, making memories that will last a lifetime.

He was a member of Greenwood Global Methodist Church.

Elbert is survived by his wife; his children, Susan Sims (Dwight Funderburk), Stanley Bowers (Pam), Donna McNeely and Cheryl Simmons (Benjy); daughter-in-law, Cecilia Cooper; sister, Kathy Bennett (Charles); brother, Connie Bowers (June); grandchildren, Brittany Sims Dunlap (Terence), Brooks Sims, T. R. Bowers, Kristin Hughey (Kyle), Ashleigh Potter (John), Cooper Simmons (Gayle), G Simmons (Kathleen), Mike Posey, Jr. (Michelle), Alex Cooper (Sara Beth), Renee Cooper, Eryan Cooper and Raymond Cooper (Valerie); great grandchildren, Rudy Mac Dunlap, Calhoun Dunlap, Brookland Bowers (Autumn), Ryland Bowers, Lola Hughey, Greta Hughey, Francie Hughey, Foxx Hughey, Charlotte Simmons, Avery Simmons, Hilton Simmons, J. P. Potter, Marley Potter, Kit Potter, Sydney Grime (Jeremy), and Rhenan Cooper; and one great great granddaughter, Rosie Bowers, and his first wife, Inez Cronic.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jake Cooper.

Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Tracey Burke officiating. A private burial will be held prior to the service.

A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the service at the Harley Family Center.

Memorials may be made to Greenwood Global Methodist Church, 315 W. Cambridge Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646 or to Agape Care Hospice, 326 Montague Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29649.

View service here: https://youtube.com/live/t7aq7jOj38w?feature=share