It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of William Bender Sowers III, of New Kent, who passed away in his home on October 26, 2022 after an extended illness. Bender was preceded in death by his step-father, James W. Gorman. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Darleen E. Sowers; his mother, Constance M. Gorman; his father, William Bender Sowers Jr. (Mona); his brother, Joel M. Sowers (Charmaine); His step-brother, Chuck Gorman; stepsisters, Lisa Coates (Ernie) and Pam Lowder (Rick); his half-brother, Brian Sowers (Kimberly); one nephew, three nieces; and numerous grandnephews and grand-nieces as well as many friends, especially Mike and Kathy Harrison.
“Benny” was a Journeyman Electrician and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (Local 666) for over three decades. His work took him throughout Virginia, but he spent a significant amount of time at the Anheuser-Busch facility in Williamsburg. He most recently retired from DuPont after 7 years of service.
He was an amateur radio operator (KE4KLD) and spent many hours talking to people from the far reaches of the world. Benny was born in Princeton, West Virginia but spent much of his life in Enon, Virginia. Enon was home, but Benny loved his lake house. Benny spent many years enjoying the water and his friends at Lake Gaston. If he wasn’t on the water, he was often on his bike somewhere around the lake. Benny was an avid cyclist and peddled thousands of miles throughout Virginia and North Carolina from the mountains to the shore. He completed Bike Virginia, The Emporia Peanut Ride and countless other rides year after year. As much as he loved his bike, Benny loved music maybe even more. He never missed a chance to go to a concert or music festival and loved catching up with his many friends year after year. Music brought him joy, even in the weakest moments of his illness.
Benny loved watching sports and there was often a game of football, basketball, baseball or his favorite, hockey, on the T.V. We all knew not to call when the Rams or Flyers were playing. Benny loved animals and often had a cat or dog following behind him or sitting on his lap. He leaves behind a dog, Max, and his beloved cat, Franklin and many strays who claimed he and his wife Darleen as their own.
Benny was known and loved by many. Whether he was your: Bender, Benny, Ben, Bro, Uncle Bean, BenDaddy or BenDar, he will forever be in our hearts, and we are left to cherish his memory. “His song has ended but his melody lingers on.” Irving Berlin.
To honor Benny’s memory, a private Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. I Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to H.A.P.P.E. Dog Rescue & Adoption.
Big wheel turn by the grace of God,
Every time that wheel turn ‘round.
Bound to cover just a little more ground.
The wheel is turning and you can’t slow down.
