Obituary: H. Gerald Jowers

H. Gerald Jowers, 73, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed from this life on Saturday, March 6, 2021, with his family by his side. A native of Winter Garden, Florida, he was born on Oct. 29, 1947, the son of Hilliary Jowers and Dorothy Mae Gaubert Jowers.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sandi (Murphy) Jowers; daughter, Hilarie (Dan) Bessetti, daughter, Jenny (Brian) Martin; a son, Jeremy (Amy); a sister, Jan (Keith) Stephens; and six grandchildren, Kate (13) and Jack (11) Martin, Jaylyn (10) and Jase (8) Jowers, and Morgan (9) and Taylor (6) Bessetti. 

Gerald was a 1965 graduate of Lakeview High School in Winter Garden. Following high school, Gerald attended Georgia Southern University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in English. After college, Gerald was employed as a teacher and administrator for Orange County Public Schools.

In 1977, he joined his father in the family’s battery business, Jowers Batteries. An entrepreneur at heart, Gerald also created numerous business ventures along the years, including Professional Staff Management, U.S. Lead, Powerhouse Batteries and many more. 

Gerald was a pillar of his community and served as Winter Garden’s District 1 City Commissioner for multiple terms beginning in 1981. He had a vision for community and business. He helped revive the Winter Garden that is known today. Gerald was respected and honored to stand up for residents and fight for what was right. 

He also served on the Winter Garden Planning and Zoning Board, West Orange Health Alliance, West Orange Healthcare District, West Orange Political Association, was a lifelong member of the Winter Garden Lions Club, coached Winter Garden Little League baseball and West Orange Girls Club softball, just to name a few.  

Gerald had a love for hunting. As an avid outdoorsman and turkey hunter, he reached his goal for the Grand Slam of turkey hunting and traveled the U.S. and Mexico to do so. Yet, his biggest passion was his family. Gerald was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. A true family man, Gerald loved to be around his children and grandchildren. He was affectionately known as “Big Daddy” to his grandchildren. Teaching and mentoring his children as they grew up, there was always a lesson to be learned (even if it was learning the hard way). He enjoyed vacationing in the mountains, cruising the blue waters and having scheduled family dinners with everyone included. 

Furthermore, Gerald was a generous, reliable, fun-loving and charismatic man who easily attracted friends throughout his life. Gerald was known to be larger than life, in the best way possible. His contagious smile and infectious laughter can still be heard around town today. Gerald will be sincerely missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life service will be announced at a later date.