Mr. Nelson Jones Sowers, age 87 of Stuart, passed away Monday, October 12, 2026 at his home. He was born in Carroll County on May 7, 1939, to the late Cana Nelson Sowers and Sena Worrell Sowers. In addition to his parents, Mr. Sowers was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Nelson Sowers; three sisters, Norma Sowers, Jessie Puckett and Joann Combs; a brother, Manuel Sowers; and four half siblings, Iris Critz, Gene Culledge, Mavis Meredith, and Bill Sowers. He faithfully served in the United States Army Reserves. He was a member of the Virginia American Legion Post#141 in Richmond, Virginia, a lifetime member of the Horsepasture Volunteer Fire Department with over 50 years of service and a lifetime member of Horsepasture Volunteer Rescue Squad with over 20 years of service. He retired from DuPont and later worked at the Blue Ridge Airport in Spencer. Nelson was a private pilot and enjoyed flying. He was a member Worrell Memorial Primitive Baptist Church and attended Patrick Springs Christian Church.
Mr. Sowers is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Hortense Chaney Sowers of the home; a son, Carl Sowers (Penny); a daughter, Anita Sowers Grigg (Brian); two grandchildren, Caleb Sowers and Victoria Sowers; a sister, Nora Alice Martin; a sister-in-law, Ann Sowers; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Sowers will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart with Pastor Gleason Worrell and Pastor Buck Hanks officiating. Burial will follow in Ross Harbour Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Horsepasture Volunteer Fire Department, 17815 A.L. Philpott Hwy., Ridgeway, Virginia 24148 or to the Horsepasture Volunteer Rescue Squad, 18287 A.L. Philpott Hwy., Ridgeway, Virginia 24148. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
