Former Braves announcer dies

Bill Bowers, who was the Braves public address announcer from 1997 through the 2006 season, died Sunday at the age of 59.

Mr. Bowers passed away at the Lillian G. Carter Nursing Center in Plains.

The Braves issued the following statement: “The Atlanta Braves are sad to hear of the passing of longtime PA announcer Bill Bowers. His friendly and booming voice was a welcomed and familiar sound to Braves fans coming to Turner Field. Our sincerest sympathy goes out to his family and friends.”

Mr. Bowers left the Braves because of health concerns. In an interview with the AJC in 2006, he said the best part of his job was “watching the fans go crazy. We have the best show in professional baseball and the best place to do it. I’ve been richly blessed in this job.”

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. today at the Cheek Memorial Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Eve Bowers; one son, Adam Bowers, both of Americus; one sister, Kim Bowers Jimenez of Norcross; one brother, Rick Bowers of Costa Rica and one grandchild, Dillon Gaige Bowers of Americus. Two nephews, Ryan Jimenez and Chaz Bowers also survive.