SOWDER, OTIS ALBERT, JR. age 51 of Elliston, VA passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, July 1, 2004.
Otis was a Veteran of the United States Army having served in Vietnam. He was a long-time employee of Southland, Inc. and most recently became a master gardener. He was an avid UVA fan, enjoyed reading books on history, science, religion and philosophy and had a love of the outdoors including fishing, canoeing, camping as well as building things with his hands.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Mildred Sowder of Christiansburg. Leaving behind to cherish his memory are his wife and children, Millie, Jacob, Maygon, Brynn and Dillon, also his siblings and families, Allen, Susan, Lauren Sowder of Fairfax; Carol Ann Sowder of Christiansburg; Julia, Roger, Krista, Tori Acton, of Dublin; Bobby and Cody Sowder of Christiansburg. Special acknowledgement is given to his cousin, A. J. Collins and long-time friend, Tommy Reed, both of Christiansburg.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Horne Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 9th at the Horne Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Richard H. Horne officiating. Interment will follow in the Sowder Family Cemetery, Boners Run Road, Shawsville. In lieu of flowers, Otis' children request donations be made to National Committee for the New River, P. O. Box 1480; West Jefferson, NC 28694 in honor and memory of their father or the New River Land Trust, P. O. Box 11057; Blacksburg, VA 24062. The Sowder Family is being served by Horne Funeral Service, Christiansburg. (382-2612).