NEWS

NEWBERRY — Near the end of a life well lived, World War II veteran and devoted Lutheran Cecil Harvey Bowers cemented his dedication to Christian education with a bequest in his will. He set aside a portion of his life’s earnings to establish two endowed chairs at Newberry College, both to continue his support of a beloved institution, and to honor his late wife, Edith. Now, with the help of his nephew, Bowers’ dream will come to fruition.

Bowers was born Sept. 16, 1913, in Little Mountain, and as a young man entered the U.S. Navy during World War II. After returning home, he gained employment with Dixie Home Stores, later to become Winn-Dixie, and remained with the company until he retired as an area supervisor.

A lifelong Lutheran, Bowers was an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Anderson, and he served as president of the South Carolina Lutheran Men in Mission. He also served on the board of trustees for the Lutheran Children's Home of the South and the Lowman Home. He was also a member of Lions Clubs International for over 35 years, and a Shriner for over 40 years.

He was a heartfelt supporter of Newberry College, belonging to the President’s Club and to the Heritage Club as a charter member. For his passionate dedication to the institution, he was presented with an honorary doctorate in humane letters in 1991. Bowers passed away Dec. 31, 1995, in Anderson.

Bowers’ nephew, William “Bill” Dukes, of Chapin, is facilitating his uncle’s final gift, which will establish the Cecil Harvey Bowers Chair in Religion and the Edith Counts Bowers Chair in Accounting.

Dukes said his uncle influenced his own business success. The owner of the Blue Marlin Restaurant and Signature Catering in Columbia, he also cofounded Longhorn Steakhouse, which became a beloved chain of restaurants throughout the Carolinas. Dukes also founded Honor Flight of SC, which has honored more than 2,000 World War II and Korean War veterans.

A former member of the Newberry College Board of Trustees, Dukes shares the Bowerses’ commitment to Lutheran education.

“The endowments will serve as an enduring tribute to the Bowers family. They will support faculty research and instruction, and support outreach to the community. This sustainable financial support will benefit the College, students, and faculty for many years to come,” said Dr. Sid Parrish, vice president for academic affairs.

The chairs are expected to be awarded in 2023.