Gary Ralph Jowers

Gary Ralph Jowers, who loved life and fought hard to be here, passed away on September 23, 2024, following ongoing medical complications. Born August 21, 1965, in Bradenton, Florida, Gary was adopted by Ralph and Lucille (Driggers) Jowers. He was the youngest of seven children and the only one of hundreds of children fostered in their home to be adopted.

Gary is survived by his wife, Karen, his daughter, Brittany, his son, Gary, Jr., his bonus sons, Luke Fulp and Brandon Bustamonte, his father-in-law, Bobby DeWitt, and seven grandchildren: Kendra, Damon, Kamber, Kinsley, Ka’Lea, Kaylie, and Kya. He is also survived by his brother, Randy Hartsfield, his nephews Greg McPherson (Kristina) and Scott Hartsfield (Michele) and niece CeCe Hartsfield as well as cousins, Regina Lambeth and Wayne Jowers, and a multitude of other nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition, Gary found his biological family in recent years loving four more siblings who survive him, Sarah (Phillip) Beeler, David (Renee) Isula, Paul Isula, and Tracy (Adam) Jones along with his Aunt Trish Zemko, cousins Theresa Friend and Tina John, and extended family. Gary truly loved both of his families.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Lucille Jowers, his biological mother, Sharon Augustiniak, his mother-in-law, Jean DeWitt, his Hartsfield brothers, Marshall, Larry, and Edward, his sister Dorothy McPherson, half-sister, Juanita, and his nephew, Mark McPherson.

Gary was a skilled and talented builder learning to build from a very young age. He loved being outdoors whether it was riding a side by side or buggy in the woods or gigging on the airboat. He  loved the hot Florida sun. He loved hunting, but he loved fishing most of all and being on Arbuckle and Josephine Creeks or Lake Istokpoga. Gary loved to cook and was good at it! His favorite was venison, rice, and tomato gravy and anything fried. Gary loved his family and friends and he loved God. His prayers were honest and heartfelt. Gary was full of exuberance and had a unique sense of humor that none will forget. He made us laugh often.

His family would like to thank the many doctors who have taken care of him, Dr. Clyde Vanterpool for saving his life many years ago, and Dr. Myron St. Louis for the years and years of fixing him and saving his life repeatedly. Gary fought the good fight for a long time and now rests peacefully with Jesus.

Come join us as we say farewell and celebrate the life of this so loved man.

Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
4001 Sebring Parkway
Sebring, FL 33870