Ricky Lee Bowers, known as Rick to his friends and family, was born on October 11, 1957, in Harrisburg, PA. Rick embarked on a life journey that would lead him from Harrisburg, PA to Bradenton, FL, where he concluded his earthly sojourn on September 29, 2025. Rick's early life was marked by a keen intelligence and an unwavering work ethic. He studied pre-med for a year at Shippensburg University. As a manufacturing engineer at Dysan Corporation, Rick contributed to the pioneering development of the 5.25" floppy disk, a cornerstone of data storage in the digital age. His professional journey also included time working alongside his father-in-law at a fire protection company in California, and at Becton-Dickinson in Sarasota, Florida, where he met his wife, Laura.
An avid runner, Rick, at the age of 17, ran from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Washington D.C. in a 24-hour period. He was on the track team in high school in Michigan and in California. In his later years, Rick turned to writing. His wrote about science and about spiritual matters. He put those writings in a book that he called "What Questions?" He wrote his "Thoughts on the Day" on the back of the program that he made for the weekly services at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He always signed Rick 24/7 at the end of all of his correspondence. He was energetic and strived to be there for people 24/7. A Christian by faith, Rick lived a life that embodied the love and teachings of Christ.
His optimistic outlook and passionate spirit were the hallmarks of a life well-lived. He was a man who never saw obstacles as insurmountable, but as opportunities to demonstrate the strength of the human spirit. As we bid farewell to Rick, we celebrate a life that was a source of inspiration – a journey that, though it has reached its earthly end, continues on in the hearts and memories of those who loved him.
Rick is survived by his wife, Laura, and his children, Matthew (Christeen) and Andrea; his mother, Lois Miller (Dave); his sister Licia White (Jeff) his aunts Nancy Morrison (Bob), and Maria Tarasi; his uncle Lou Tarasi (Ginny); his grandchildren Julia and Nathan; and several stepsiblings, cousins and friends.
A visitation will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 10 AM-12 PM will a service following at 12 PM at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209. Burial will follow at Skyway Memorial Gardens, 5200 US Highway 19, Palmetto, FL 34221.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
