Cody Gowder

BCHS student dies in accident Saturday

Posted by
Chris Bridges
in News Links, Top Stories
Monday, August 4. 2008
Comments (15)
A Banks County High School junior died as a result of injuries suffered in a one-vehicle accident on Hwy. 441 Saturday evening, just north of the county sheriff’s office.

Cody Gowder, a member of the school’s football team, died after the pickup he was driving crashed and flipped several times on Hwy. 441 shortly before 9 p.m. The vehicle struck a guardrail, according to reports from the Georgia State Patrol which investigated the accident.

Two other passengers, Bill Redmon and Kane Duncan, classmates and football teammates of Gowder’s, suffered injuries in the accident after all three were ejected from the truck. Redmon and Duncan were both airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital where they were in stable condition Sunday.

Reports indicated those in the vehicle were not wearing seat belts.

Gowder’s funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday at Grove Level Baptist Church. Little-Ward Funeral Home of Commerce is handling arrangements.

BCHS football coach Blair Armstrong said practice would be cancelled Monday.
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#1 bryon shaw on 08/04/08 at 09:38 PM [Reply]
i played football with BCHS and with cody he was a good freind.
#2 computer user on 08/06/08 at 08:43 AM [Reply]
seatbelts save lives.
#2.1 Anonymous on 08/06/08 at 04:14 PM [Reply]
Thanks for the advise! But sometimes you don't need to
give an opinion on something or someone you don't
know anything about.
If's, could have's and should have's don't change a
thing!
This was clearly a tragedy that words can not describe.
There are parents, teammates, coaches, classmates
and friends we need to have in our thoughts and prayers
during this time not whether they were wearing seatbelts
or not.
#3 Tammie Gowder on 08/07/08 at 07:45 AM [Reply]
I am Cody Gowder's mother.My name is Tammie Gowder. I can tell you from the moment he was born Cody has worn a seatbelt. I would not start the car until it was in place. All I can say is that Cody was the most beautiful precious son anyone could ever have. He was a very mature and responsible young man. Cody had a very loving spirit that touched many lives which was evident by the turnout of support this weekend. Pray for us. Please pray for his sister Ashley. Our hearts are broken because nothing can fill the place in our hearts that our perfect son did. Please continue to tell your kids to wear their seatbelts and to be safe. Teenagers are new to driving and not experienced enough to be able to react when something goes wrong. Please put out only positive and remember my son as the angel he was. Thank you for all the words, prayers and good wishes that were received since this tragic accident. Continue to pray for us.
#3.1 Kimberly Blalock on 08/07/08 at 09:17 AM [Reply]
Tammie, I would just like to let you know that our prayers are with you and our hearts go out to you. I'm not going to tell you that time heals everything and I'm certainly not going to tell you that I know what you are feeling. However, I do want to let you know that you are in the prayers of a lot of people and that we love you all. Please don't give up on God in your discouragement and sorrow. God is not angered when we ask "why?" and He doesn't turn His back on us when our faith is tested and small. He loves you, He loves Cody, and He will not let you down or forsake you even when the world and your mind is telling you it's not worth it anymore. Cody is not gone forever....he's just gone on ahead and is waiting on you!
#3.2 Vicki Lee Hill on 08/07/08 at 12:28 PM [Reply]
HI Tammie, This is your aunt Vicki. I still love you
and Kim and would like for you to know that my prayers
are with you and I've put you on our prayer list at Church Although I haven't seen you in years I
still have memories. Our memories are what keep us going!
I understand that Cody was a fine young man. One thing we
never know is when it will be our time to be called home.
Just remember, I believe all things happen for a reason
and God has the plan. Just turn everything over to him
and know that Cody is up there with him now,safe and sound
I LOVE YOU, Vicki
#3.3 Lori Ledford McClure on 08/08/08 at 06:01 PM [Reply]
Dear Tammy, Keith, and Ashley,
It has been many years since we have seen each other but
Tim and I think of you often. We are so sorry to hear about
your son. I know he must have been a wonderful child and
I know the coming days will be very difficult for you.
Take strength in knowing that many people are praying for
you. I know all of our lives have gone in many different
directions and that through the years we lose touch with
friends that we share many special memories with. We pray
that God will put his loving arms around you all during
this sad and difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Tim, Lori, Megan, Morgan and Micah McClure
#3.4 BB on 08/08/08 at 08:30 PM [Reply]
God bless you, Ms. Gowder. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
#3.5 Anonymous on 08/24/08 at 10:04 PM [Reply]
Tammie, im not going to say my name, and we dont know each other but you went to school with my mom. I went to school with cody and was in the same grade. We pulled up on the scene right when this tragedy happened. Words cant say what was going through my head. Cody was a very special person and even though we didnt talk or anything, i still seen he had ALOT of potential. I want you to know that no, i havent lost a child so i dont know how you feel but, i do have a 4 month old son and he weighed 1 pound 12 ounces when he was born and he is still in the hospital. there have been many times when i could and thought i would loose him. I have really changed my outlook on things since my baby has been here he truly is a miracle. And im sure you no this already but god has a plan for EVERYONE!! when its your time to go you will spend the rest of eternity with you wonderful son!! im really sorry for your loss and i hope you are doing ok
God bless you and your family
#4 Sheri Dockery on 08/07/08 at 09:32 AM [Reply]
We were among the first on the scene of the accident and we immediately prayed for the passengers as well as the families. We would just like all the family members and friends of these young men to know that they are in our thoughts and prayers.

Longview Baptist Church Members
Franklin, NC
#5 Sherrie Williams on 08/07/08 at 02:18 PM [Reply]
Hi Tammy, This is Vicki's sister Sherrie. I know you
don't remember me from when you were a little girl, but I
remember you and Kim. I'm Chris' aunt. I was not aware
of the children you had but it is evident you bore a
very handsom son and one to be very proud of. I am
sorry for your loss as it is very hard to lose a child
no matter what the circumstances. You will be in our
prayers as you and your family tries to heal from this
tragedy. May the Lord wrap His loving arms around you
and give you the peace that passes all understanding.
With God's grace, mercy and love - Sherrie
#6 Faye on 08/08/08 at 10:02 AM [Reply]
I cant say I know how u fel but U are in my prayers and god will take care of u and your family. Your son is gone ahead to help prepare a place for the ones he loves he will welcome you all with open arms one day. Keep the faith and strive to change the things we can change not the things we cant.
#7 BCHS Student and Family on 08/10/08 at 12:46 AM [Reply]
Our prayers are with you and your Family . God has a purpose for each thing in our lives that happens, somethings we have no control of somethings are just a test of our faith in him .Keep looking up and be strong for there's a brighter tomorrow when you shall see him again . For he isn't dead he's only sleeping ,and he lives within your heart every day
#8 Knick Family on 08/16/08 at 08:59 PM [Reply]
We just got to know Cody this summer and what a blessing he was to our family. We instantly loved him...he always had a smile and a funny saying to make us all laugh. We are all going to miss him and wish we could have had more time with Cody but he's in a better place. Cody would want you to keep going forward-as hard as it will be-he would want you to do something great in honor of him. I would like to say how great it is that a community/school all came together to honor and give encouragment in such a hard time like this. I was so impressed and inspired by all the speakers at Cody's funeral. Cody' loved Ryan's dad whos a preacher-said he was the best preacher and he did a fantastic job speaking. The football team and head coach-WOW you can see God in this mans life. It should make you everyday try so hard to be better than you were. I pray these boys will grow and play their best for Cody. No we don't understand and we can try to find ways to explain it or what if's but if Cody were here today he would tell us all about heaven, he would say make sure you get there and make sure you tell the ones here on earth while you can that you love them. Treasure every minute you have with your kids, your family and friends! Hug and say you love each other-everyday-every minute you can.
We love you & will miss you Cody Gowder!
#9 Anonymous on 10/20/09 at 09:39 AM [Reply]
I hope the family is continuing to heal.
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