Von Edward Bower

VON EDWARD BOWER Von Edward Bower, 52, of Coal City, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2015, tragically from a coal mining accident that occurred at Alpha Natural Resources in Raleigh County. He was born November 9, 1962 in Alexandria, VA. Von was employed by Roger’s Petroleum as a contractor, where he had worked for the past 5 years and was considered to be a valued employee. He graduated from Independence High School in 1982 and was of the Baptist faith. Von is preceded in death by his parents, Von and Carol Ann Bower; maternal grandparents, William and Virgie Pearl Mays; and paternal grandparents, James and Lela Jane Bower. Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Tosha Gracie Leigh Rice (Kevin) of King George, VA; a sister, Tamela Ann Sprouse (Chuck) of Princewick, WV; a niece, Angela Dawn Hudnall (Michael) of Princewick, WV; two nephews, Charlie Sprouse (Ashton) of Coal City, WV and Gregory Sprouse (Jessica) of Rhodell, WV; and a very close friend, Michael “Floppy” Coalson. He is also survived by the loves of his life; his 3 beloved grandsons, 2 great-nephews, and 3 great-nieces; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, and beloved friends. Von was known to his close family and friends as “Bubby”. He loved classic cars, listening to music, and spending as much time as possible outdoors. He also spent the majority of his time making people laugh and doing mechanic work, which he learned as a child from his father. Services will be held 11:00AM Monday, March 23, 2015 at Williams-Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Sophia with Pastor Shane Roark officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Pallbearer Services will be provided by his co-workers of Roger’s Petroleum and a few close friends. Friends may gather with the family from 6:00PM until 9:00PM Sunday at the funeral home. Online condolences and other information can be found by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhome.com Williams-Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 101 1st Street Sophia is assisting the family.