John Ray Bower Sr., age 87 of Amelia, went to be with the Lord while surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, October 14,2018. He is survived by his wife Joan Bower, children John "Mike" Bower (Denise) of NV, Cathy Butler(David) of Amelia, Gregory Bower of Richmond, Mark Bower of Richmond, Sandra Wilmouth(Donald) of Chester, Pam Glover (Tommy) of Amelia, Tracey DeHart (Bryan) of Chesterfield, John R. Bower Jr. (Beth) of Varina, Scott Bower (Stephanie) of Amelia, and a very special friend Nancy Davis of Farmville, brother George Smith Jr., sister Marie Croxford, twenty two grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son Paul Bower, his brothers Jim Bower and Daniel Bower and sister Evelyn. Visitation is from 2-4pm and 6-8 pm Wednesday October 17 at  True Life Church of Jesus Christ 11360 Chula Rd in Amelia. A church service will be held at 11 am Thursday at True Life Church with burial to follow at Mattoax Cemetery.