William Irvine Nowers

William (Bill) Irvine Nowers, 67, of Alpharetta, GA, passed away unexpectedly on May 29, 2010, at St. Joseph s Hospital in Atlanta. He was born December 29, 1942, in Murphysboro, IL to Stanley and Celeste (DePauw) Nowers. He spent his childhood years in Steeleville, IL. In the simplest terms, Bill was a son, a husband, a father, a brother, a grandfather, a neighbor, a co-worker, and a friend. He was a happy, gregarious man who never knew a stranger. He was kind, gentle, patient, and positive. He had enormous energy and enthusiastically embraced trying new things. Bill s zest for life and curiosity led him to some of his favorite activities. Bill loved to travel, experiment and cook new foods for family and friends, and he was an avid rock hound and nature lover. But, most of all, he just loved to be with his family and friends. Bill had recently retired after 12 years of service at AT&T. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Jane Johnson Nowers, who he married in 1997. He is survived by his children, Kelly Mead (husband Tim) of St. Louis, MO, Linda Lock (husband Dave) of Springfield, IL, Sandie Cagley (husband Mike)of Suwanee, GA, Jenny Gibbs (husband Jake) of Umpqua, OR, and Craig Johnson (wife MaryAnn) of Fairborn, OH and by his three sisters, Judy Lindeman (husband Bob)of Albuquerque, NM, Juanita Partington (husband Pat) of Upland, CA, and Kathy England (husband Bob) of Albuquerque, NM. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and numerous extended family members. His family will gather for a celebration of his life later in the year. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude s Children s Hospital. His spirit will live through the influence that he had on all of our lives, but those of us he left behind will miss him. Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886-9899