March 2025

Brian Scott Gower, born on March 12, 1963, in Lansing, Michigan, was sent to his eternal home on February 28, 2025, in Rowlett, Texas, after a series of short illnesses. Scott was the son of Thomas Ray Gower and Judy Roberts Gower. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Piggott, Arkansas. Scott married the love of his life, Kimberly Ann Smithey Davis on January 4, 1986. They recently celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his wife Kim and daughter Nikki Gower Clark (Justin) and grandchildren Kymber Nicole and Austin Reid; and their daughter Morgan Taylor Gower and grandchildren Camille Ann and Lynkon Scott. Scott was a loving, doting “Paw” who truly cherished his time with his girls and grandchildren. In 1981, Scott graduated from Piggott High School, where he enjoyed shop and agriculture classes as well as playing varsity football for the Piggott Mohawks. With Razorback Red running through his veins, he then attended the University of Arkansas, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Business in 1985. As a University of Arkansas Alumnus, Scott was a lifetime supporter of the university and his beloved Hogs. Scott began his lifelong career with Riceland Foods in August of 1985. He learned the business from the ground up, eventually culminating in a position of Vice President of Commodity Operations. Special mentors in his life were Mr. Richard E. Bell, Mr. David Bickerstaff, Mr. Leon Foster, and Mr. Martin Ahrent. His greatest achievement as a drier manager was being awarded the Exceptional Service Award during the fall of 1993. During his early years as Vice President, Scott formed lifelong friendships with Terry Richardson, Jerry Delatte, Harry Loftis, Ben Lackey, and several more along the way. He retired after serving 35 years with Riceland Foods. Upon his retirement, he still had many enjoyable outings with The Retired Riceland Executive Group, also known as “The Old Man’s Luncheon.” Scott was well known for his quick wit, business acumen, and devotion to his family. He was active in many clubs and organizations. During his career with Riceland, he served as President of the Corning Chamber of Commerce and Corning Pride Committee. He also served as Chairman of the annual Fourth of July Picnic in Corning. As a member of the Arkansas Drier and Warehouseman Association, he served as a board member and president. He was also a member of GEAPS, the Grain Elevator and Processing Society, as well as a member and later board member of the National Grain and Feed Association. Scott enjoyed boating, fishing, and traveling as lifetime hobbies; shared with his wife, family, and friends. He particularly enjoyed his time on Greers’ Ferry Lake, where he dreamed of owning a house on the lake one day. After buying, renovating, and selling three condos, his dream came true. He, his family, and friends created countless lifelong memories together while fishing, skiing, tubing, or simply cruising around the lake. Lake Ray Hubbard was the deciding factor in Scott and Kim’s move to Rowlett, Texas in 2022. There, with a lakeside home, they could continue to enjoy the pleasures of lake living. Of utmost importance was to be near his daughters and grandchildren, sharing the lake life to carry on the tradition. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, March 6th, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, West 3rd Street, in Corning, Arkansas. Arrangements have been made at Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home in Piggott, Arkansas, as follows: Visitation from 1:00-3:00 p.m., Funeral at 3:00. Brother Danny Self, who baptized Scott, will be officiating the service. Interment will be held at New Hope Cemetery in Pollard, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Blake Ahrent, Chris Bauschlicher, David Bauschlicher, Will Bauschlicher, Eddie Brooks, Justin Clark, Tim Gribble, D.J. Herzog, and Jim Mann. Honorary pallbearers will be Ben Lackey, Harry Loftis, and Terry Richardson.