Ray Ernest Bower, 83 of Lake Wales, Florida passed Monday, November 25, 2024, in Dayton, Ohio.
He was born on June 30, 1941, in Auburn, New York to the late Tillman Grant and Jane Margaret Young Bower. He retired from the US Navy, Greenleaf in Public Safety, and the Lake Wales YMCA. Ray was a member of the American Legion and was of the Catholic Faith.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Bower, April 29, 2021.
Survivors include his daughter, Mary Linzmeier and husband Bob of Ohio; son, Stephen Bower of Arizona; brothers, William Bower, John Bower and Grant Bower all of New York; one grandchild Casey of Ohio. And special friends Marty Buckley and the Myers family.
After retirement Ray volunteered his time with the Lake Wales Little Theater. He also enjoyed his time running Bingo at Holy Spirit Church.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home of Lake Wales. Funeral Mass will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church of Lake Wales, Interment will be held 12:30 PM, Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton or the Lake Wales Little Theatre.
