By David Lamb
Photography by Traci Newlin
Old photos provided by the Bowers Family
In Arcadia, it’s hard to find a man more universally admired and respected than Richard Bowers. The former Desoto County High School coach and administrator has called Arcadia home for sixty-eight years, and his impact in those nearly seven decades is immeasurable.
Bowers arrived in Arcadia after a standout career as a receiver for Hall of Fame Football Coach Jake Gaither in the mid-fifties at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. In addition to turning out outstanding football players, Gaither also had a plan to dot the Sunshine State with A&M graduates. “He wanted a Rattler in every city and county from Pensacola to Miami. He sent me to this small town,” Bowers said.
Read the full article on Issuu >> Aug-Sept 2024 Issue
