I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course.  I have kept the faith.

Master Trooper Jerry Nelson Sowers, 53 of Woodlawn, VA formerly of Ridgeway, VA passed away peacefully at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, NC on April 12, 2021 after a four-year battle with cancer.

He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Galax, VA.

Jerry was born September 13, 1967 to Nelson and Hortense (Chaney) Sowers of Stuart, VA.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his son, Caleb Nelson Sowers of Woodlawn, VA and Caleb's mother, Melissa Sowers of Elk Creek, VA; brother, Carl Dale Sowers (Penny) of Hillsville; sister, Anita Sowers (Brian) of Martinsville, VA; nieces, Victoria Sowers of Sandford, NC and Sara Hall of Hillsville, VA; brother-in-law, Steve Hall (Shelia) of Hillsville, VA; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins including special cousins David Chaney of Stuart, VA and Tim Chaney (Sherri) of Roanoke, VA.

Jerry was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cana and Sena (Worrell) Sowers and Lester and Queenie (Clark) Chaney.

Jerry was a 1985 graduate of George Washington Carver High School and a 1989 graduate of Radford University where he majored in Criminal Justice.  In 1989 Jerry was hired by the Virginia State Police as a State Trooper.  Upon graduating from the 87 ^th VSP Academy, Jerry was stationed in Goochland County.  In 1995 Jerry was selected to serve on Governor George Allen's Executive Protection Unit and held that position until 1998.  After serving on the EPU, Jerry transferred to Grayson County.  He served both Grayson and Carroll Counties until accepting a position as VCIN Auditor in 2016. Jerry was a dedicated State Trooper for 31 years earning the rank of Master Trooper in 2017.  He proudly served his community and enjoyed working with all of his fellow law enforcement officers.

Jerry enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family, especially his son, Caleb who was the light of his life.  He will be greatly missed by his family and by all that had the privilege to call him their friend.

The funeral services will be held at Trinity Baptist Church, 141 Shade Tree Lane, Galax, VA 24333, on April 16, 2021 at 1:00 with visitation being held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM prior to the funeral. Please follow all CDC guidelines. Masks are required.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 1477 Carrollton Pike, Hillsville, VA 24343 or to the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson, NC 27017.  Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.