Friends loved Bobby Bowers for his jokes and vast repertoire of funny stories.

One even dubbed him “a force of nature.”

The retired SC Office of Research and Statistics direct(); 79, died Feb. 29 at Lexington Medical Center.

He also served as a technical advisor to other states in many cases of redistricting political boundaries.

The SC legislature honored him at his retirement in May 2015 for 56 years of distinguished service.

He was born in Prosperity, the son of D.M. and Daisie Shealy Bowers.

He was a Sunday school teacher and lay speaker at Lexington United Methodist Church and leader in Emmaus of the Midlands Community. He served on the Lexington 1 School Board, president of the SC School Board Association, Lander University Board of Trustees and was a past Lexington Lions Club president.

He is survived by his wife, Cherie Folk Bowers, sons Greg Bowers (Michele), David Bowers (Dawn), Jim Bannistei Brian Bannister (Mary), Brett Bannister (Jill), Mark Bannister (Kelly) and 13 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Jo Bowers, and his brother Billy of Aiken.

The family held a celebration of life service at Lexington United Methodist Church at 11:30 am Thursday, March 5. Visitation was at 10 am in the Church Family Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Lexington United Methodist Church, 309 East Main St., Lexington, SC 29072.

Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements.