I am Steve Alabaster, husband of Perla, and have had the honor of knowing Reid from the time
Perla and I started dating in the late 70s. When I first went to Perla’s house to meet the family, I
couldn’t believe what I saw parked in the driveway and front of the house. There was a
Barracuda, an early Charger and other vintage cars like the ones that I lusted over as a
teenager. Besides loving vintage cars, Reid was a serious NASCAR fan. Josie recently told me
a story about this that I have to share. Reid and Josie’s Burbank House had a serious fire
destroying a large part of the house and contents. Shortly after the fire Josie was coming back
from a store, and Reid was in the yard very upset. Josie naturally thought that it was him
worrying about the house and she tried to console him assuring him that everything will be OK.
Reid replied, “That’s not my problem. Dale Earnhardt died today.” A real serious NASCAR fan.
Another thing I loved about Reid was his love of the old time black and white Western TV
shows and movies. It would be nonstop Westerns on his big screen in his cozy TV room. Those
times with Reid, Marshall Dillon, Tonto, Paladin, Hopalong and others transported me back to
my adolescence in the 50s when I would spend the weekends with Grandparents watching
hours of the Westerns.
Reid, you were really a Good Guy. You relished mainly Southern food as I also do and we
shared a language that we both understood well, Southern. You were from North Carolina and I
am from Tennessee. By the way Reid, I still think Memphis BBQ is better than Thomasville’s.
Reid, over the years I realized that you were much more than just a Good Guy. You were a
Good Soul, a Good Human Being and had a heart of gold. To use an old expression, “You
would give someone the shirt oﬀ your back.” I remember when you would come to Seattle
where we have a large population of houseless people living on the street. When we walked
downtown, you always were sure to have a bundle of one dollar bil

For Grandpa Reid

My children, Stephanie and Julian, asked me to share a few words with everyone about their Grandpa Reid. 

Reid was the perfect grandfather. He’d sneak the kids candy, slip them a $20, and always made sure they were having fun. But beyond that, Stephanie and Julian gleaned lessons about diligence, pride, and thoughtfulness by watching Reid’s actions over the years.

Reid’s early mornings and dedication to work showed them the power of routine and commitment, even if it meant hearing the TV on before sunrise. He was extremely diligent with work, and it didn’t go unnoticed. 

He also showed them that it was okay and in fact a good thing to take pride in your work and passions. Reid loved the business he built, and loved to show it off to the kids every time they were in town. Reid was also beyond happy to share his passion of NASCAR and old westerns with anyone who was interested. He reminded the kids to stay true to themselves and be proud of what they love. 

Stephanie and Julian observed how thoughtful Reid was in all of his interactions. On Julian’s 18th birthday, he gave Julian $100 for the casino, where Julian quickly learned dollar slots weren’t for him—but the time together was priceless. For Stephanie, he’d take her and Lita out for southern breakfasts because he knew she loved to bake and appreciated good biscuits. 

But most noteworthy of all, was seeing him give Lita flowers for every birthday and anniversary. His love for their grandma was very obvious, and seeing his thoughtfulness to always celebrate special moments with her was monumental. 

Reid, Stephanie and Julian hope to honor your  diligence, pride, and thoughtfulness in their lives. They thank you for your love, your lessons, and your example. They love you, always.

Uncle Reid, you are leaving a huge whole in so many hearts and you will be greatly missed. We thank you for your generosity, your humor and the love you showed us all. You did so much for many of us without even batting an eye and didn't expect much in return (other than not interrupt your TV time!) Rest in peace, we will always remember you with love ❤️

Cuanto lamento su partida, me uno asu dolor, y Ago una Suplica a Dios por su eterno descanzo, 
Y abrazo la esperanza de un encuentro glorioso ante. 
Dios Nuestro Señor
Hoy a sido llamado, pero vivira en el corazon de quienes le amaron,
Ala familia Hermosa que formo, les ago yegar mis condolencias con mucho amor y Respeto.
Betty Espinoza.🫂

OBITUARY

Ben Reid Sowers Jr.

July 22, 1935 – December 27, 2024

Funeraria del Angel Chula Vista

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