Dr. William Frederick Sowers

Sowers, Dr. William (Bill) Frederick, of Staunton, VA, passed away on Thursday, October 12, at the age of 85. He is pre-deceased by his parents, Percy Frederick and Catherine Clipp Sowers, and brother, James Schamel Sowers. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 61 years, Natalie Zirkle Sowers; son Billy and grandsons Will and Dillon; son Jim and wife, Karen, and grandsons Chris, Bryan and Michael; son Bob and wife, Dianne, and grandsons Zach and Henry; son Tom and wife Jennifer, and grandchildren Clay and Nan. He is also survived by a brother, John, and wife, Nancy. Bill was born on April 21, 1932 in Hagerstown, MD and grew up in Harrisonburg, VA. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated from Harrisonburg High School in 1950, where he was 1st chair in trumpet, the drum major, All-State band, and co-editor of the Annual Literary Issue, he studied pre-med at Randolph Macon, where he was a member of the Glee Club, served as secretary and treasurer of the student government, and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He sang in the Common Glory choir in Williamsburg in 1953. Bill graduated Medical College of Virginia in 1956, and after serving two years in the Army, went on to specialize in Dermatology at the University of Virginia. He practiced Dermatology in Staunton for 45 years before retiring in 2008. He believed it was his calling to become a physician and that serving patients in his community was a true honor. Bill was a longtime member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Staunton, and sang in the choir for many years. He was active in the Kiwanis club, and enjoyed playing tennis, golf, and skiing. Bill was a great family man and enjoyed bringing the Sowers family together for an annual vacation in Nags Head. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 20th at Trinity Episcopal Church with Rev. John Lane officiating, with a reception to follow. Memorials may be made to Staunton-Augusta YMCA, 708 North Coalter Street, Staunton, VA 24401. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.henryfuneralhome.net .