CUMBERLAND, R.I. - Herbert G. Flowers, 81, passed away Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, surrounded by his loving family at Miriam Hospital, Providence, R.I. Born in Brockton, Mass., he was the son of Herbert and Elsie (Shilcock) Flowers. Herb was the husband of 58 years of Ruth (Kinney) Flowers, and had resided in Nasonville since 1995, after living in Cumberland, R.I., for 30 years. In 1944 Herb moved with his family to Dover-Foxcroft. He attended Foxcroft Academy, where he was captain of the baseball team, graduating in 1948. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He attended Portland University, now the University of Southern Maine, obtaining his degree in 1959. After college Herbert worked as a grocery buyer for Hannaford Brothers Supermarkets, South Portland. In 1965 he became the head grocery buyer for Almac's Supermarkets, East Providence, R.I. He enjoyed working with this fine company for 25 years and made many lasting friendships throughout the grocery industry. Later in his career, he was the category manager for Shaw's Supermarkets, Private Label Buyer for Roche Bros. Markets, and consultant for Progressive Sales, all in Massachusetts. Herb enjoyed fishing and hunting with his brothers-in-law, especially at their camp on Big Benson Pond in Maine. His wife, children and grandchildren spent unforgettable vacations with him there. He played golf at every chance on many different courses. He coached Little League baseball for more than 10 years at the Boys and Girls Club of Cumberland-Lincoln, R.I. He volunteered for the Big Brothers of America. He was a member of Four Corners Community Chapel, Cumberland, R.I., where he served as deacon and trustee. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of Scottish Rite, Valley of Portland, and the American Legion. In addition to his wife, he leaves a daughter, Jane Viera and her husband, Jim, and their sons, Zebulon and Zachary, all of Riverside, R.I.; a son, Joel R. Flowers and his wife, Maureen, and their son, Owen of Lincoln, R.I.; a sister, Miriam Smith of Dover-Foxcroft; several nieces and nephews. He will also be greatly missed by his "little brother," Gary Beaudette of Alaska. A celebration of his life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at J.J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Route 122, Cumberland, R.I. Services will be conducted by his niece, the Rev. Virginia Gass and the Rev. Kenneth Boyle. Burial will be after at Diamond Hill Cemetery, Cumberland, R.I. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Visiting hours will be 4-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10. Memorial contributions may be made to Isabel's Hope, care of Office of University Development, A 120, Isabel Cate Rineer Memorial Endowment, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, P.O. Box 852, Hershey, PA 17033. Directions and guest book are available at www.jjduffyfuneralhome.com.
Published in BDN Maine on Sept. 8, 2010