Frank H Lowery

Born Jan. 23, 1917 in Milan, GA, he was the son of Charlie Lee Lowery and Lula Belle Cravey Lowery. He was preceded in death by sisters Charlee L. Sessions and Mildred Lowery and three brothers-in-law: Wallace Sessions, Roy Cowart, and Robbie Robinson.

Frank graduated from Milan High School, spent two years on Cape Hatteras with the CCC Camp, and enrolled in the University of Georgia in 1937. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agricultural Economics from UGA.

During World War II, he served his country in the Army Medical Corps in the European Theater. He was honorably discharged in 1945 with the rank of T5. He returned to Telfair County to become an Ag Teacher for a few years where he met and married Lilly Claire Cook in 1947. The Lowerys eventually settled in Athens, GA where they raised their four children. He spent 30 years with the USDA Soil and Water Conservation Service. He then worked an additional 32 years with the State of Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission finally retiring at the age of 77. In 1988 Frank was honored as the national “Man of the Year” in Soil and Water Conservation in Recognition of his Leadership and support to Soil and Water Conservation in Georgia.

For 50 years, Frank and his wife have been loyal members of St. James United Methodist Church serving in many leadership positions. Frank enjoyed being a Boy Scout Volunteer, fishing, playing softball on the church team, watching baseball, and was an avid Bulldog fan.

Frank is survived by his wife Claire C. Lowery of Athens: three daughters and one son: Beth Lowery Epling (husband Jerry) of Springfield, GA; Emily Lowery Woodward (husband Garland) of Snellville, GA; Lou Lowery Barnhardt (husband Hugh) of Atlanta, GA; Frank Harris Lowery Jr. (wife Laura) of Athens, GA; and two sisters Doris L. Cowart of McRae, GA and Kathryn L. Robinson of Dublin, GA. His grandchildren are: Leigh Woodward Owens; Libby Woodward; Jay Barnhardt; Andrew Barnhardt; Emmie Barnhardt; Lily Lowery; and Jack Lowery. His great-grandson is Blake Owens.

Frank’s family would like to express a special “thank you” to the Arbor Terrace Assisted Living Staff and the Odyssey Hospice Staff.

The visitation will be held at Bernstein Funeral Home on Tues., Jan. 4 from 5-8 p.m. The funeral will be held at St. James United Methodist Church in Athens, GA. on Wed., Jan. 5, at 11a.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to St. James UMC Senior Adult Program, 111 West Lake Dr., Athens, GA 30606 or the UGA Foundation, benefitting the College of Agriculture, 394 Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30602.