Bennie O'Neal Lowe

Bennie was an only child to his loving and supportive parents, the late Henry and Nellie Bess Holloway Lowe. His beloved grandmother, Mama Alice, and his mother taught him the value of helping others and to work hard to accomplish his goals. Bennie graduated from Clark College as an outstanding student and athlete. At Clark, he made a big name for himself in basketball. The Harlem Globe Trotters wanted to recruit him. It is said he invented the “jump” shot. After college, Bennie served in the Air Force. Upon completion of duty, he pursued his lifetime career as a teacher and coach. In 1968 and 1987 he completed his Masters and Specialist degrees at Clark Atlanta and Atlanta Universities.

Leaving the Air Force, Bennie’s first job was a teacher and football coach in McDonough (Henry County). Determined to succeed, Bennie created the necessary training equipment using available materials like tires and wood, as the school lacked training equipment. The community admired him. Six years later Bennie accepted a new teaching position with DeKalb County Schools and remained there as a teacher, coach and administrator for 38 years until retirement. Bennie was Head football coach at Hamilton High School. He was the first black football coach at a predominantly white high school, Cross Keys. Bennie was recognized as “Coach of the Year”. He was an Assistant Principal at Southwest DeKalb and later served as Assistant Principal and Principal at Columbia High School. He was promoted to the Dekalb County Athletic Division as a District Area Coordinator. Bennie also served as a social worker to help solve the county’s racial problems. He also held the Director ‘s position of the Metro Regional Juvenile Center in Atlanta.

Bennie’s hobbies were fishing, golfing, playing Bid Whist, parties, and the casinos! He particularly loved fishing with his mother. He also enjoyed fishing with his children though would tease them saying they talked too much and were scaring the fish away. He loved to have fun and loved to see others enjoying themselves.

Bennie became a member of Ben Hill United Methodist Church under the leadership of his friend, the late Pastor Cornelius Henderson. He was an active member for over 40 years and was a devoted member of the Finance Committee until his death. His devotion to the brotherhood of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity lasted over 70 years. He secured a building in the Greenbriar area and named it The Omega House. A place to gather for music, food and socializing.

Bennie’s name rings out in many professional and social organizations. He was active in the Clark Atlanta Booster Club, and an inductee into the Athletic Hall of Fame for Atlanta University and Clark Atlanta. He loved and supported Clark Atlanta University.

Bennie O'Neal Lowe was a faithful and caring father. He transitioned peacefully under home hospice care with his daughter and son-in-law by his side. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving daughter, Wanda Maria Lowe-Merritt (her late mother, Esther E. Edwards); devoted son, Brian O'Neal Lowe (his late mother, Mary Ward); devoted son-in-law, Kenneth Merritt; only grandson, Taiz O'Neal Lowe-Coran; along with E. Jason Stone, Glenda Johnson, Brenda Thornton (caregiver), Kenneth Merritt, II, Jordan Merritt; cousins, Jade Moore and Reginald Chaney; and a host of many close and special friends.

A visitation of family and friends will be held for Bennie on Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Horis A. Ward Funeral Home - Fairview Chapel | 376 Fairview Road Stockbridge, Georgia 30281. A celebration of his life will occur Monday, September 30, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Ben Hill United Methodist Church | 2099 Fairburn Road SW, Atlanta, GA 30331. Services will conclude with a graveside committal at approximately 1:30 PM at Westview Cemetery | 1680 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30310. Rev. Dr. Derrick Rhodes, officiating.