Jackie Leo Gower

Mr. Jackie “Leo” Gower (Pa), 84, of Winston-Salem, NC went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 31, 2025. Born in Johnston County, NC, he was the son of the late Connie Ernest Gower and Della Ellis Hilliard. Leo earned an Associate degree in Fire Science and went on to serve the Winston-Salem Fire Department for 30 years, retiring as a Captain. Leo earned his Eagle Scout Merit Badge and was a proud little league coach for his son’s team. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church and served as the President of his Sunday School Class for 23 years. During his years as a faithful servant, Leo was a Deacon, a member of the Glory Bound Gospel Quartet and served on the mission committee. Leo’s hobbies included golf, tending to his garden, and fantasy football (where he was a 6x champion).

Mr. Gower was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ernest Earl.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Kay “Ma” Gower; daughter, Traci Merritt (Mark); son, Todd Gower (Christie); grandson, Joshua Merritt (Lindsay); granddaughter, Joely Merritt; a great-grandson, Hunter Merritt; a niece, Susan Permenter (Rob); a nephew, Jeffrey Gower (Nancy) and a sister-in-law, Wanda LeCours.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Forsyth Memorial Park, 3771 Yadkinville Rd., Winston-Salem, NC with Pastor Jim Bush and Pastor Keith Hudak officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Wednesday September 3, 2025 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grace Baptist Church World Mission Fund.