Gerry was born in 1928, to Mildred and Mony Lowry, in Harrisburg, PA. and fell in love with trees and nature soon afterward. As a youth, he played in the forests and streams of Central Pennsylvania, joined the Boy Scouts and earned the Eagle Scout Award. During and after service in the U.S. Army, Gerry pursued an education in Forestry. He earned degrees from Penn State, Oregon State and a PhD from Michigan State. In 1972, after 10 years of work for the Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada, he moved from Montreal, Quebec to take a teaching position at Stephen F. Austin State University. Gerry found his calling and remained at SFA for almost 30 years, retiring as a full professor. At SFA he was known by his students as Doc and maintained friendships with his students long after their graduation. Through teaching, his legacy is felt across the globe. Gerry’s former students can be found throughout the world, graduate students under his direction included many international students. Through his research in soils and reclamation of burned or strip mined land, his legacy is seen on the globe itself.
Perhaps his most notable project at SFA was research into developing a Christmas tree industry in Texas. After years of test plots with numerous species, he determined that the Virginia Pine was viable for growing in Texas and the species became the industry standard for “Texas Grown” Christmas trees. Gerry believed in the idea so much he started Spring Valley Farms in the late 70’s, a family run Christmas tree farm. The farm was very successful at giving Texans fresh cut trees and providing jobs for hundreds of students during its 20 years of operation.
His hobbies included hunting, fishing, stamp and coin collecting, wine making and anything involving geology or gems.
He was preceded in death by Nancy Lowry, his wife of over 30 years, and his brother Emory Lowry. He is survived by his brother Dale Lowry, his children Christine Lowry, Randolph Lowry and Doug Lowry from his first marriage to Mary Lou Brennan, 5 grand children and 3 great grandchildren.
Gerry will be laid to rest alongside his parents in Pennsylvania. Due to current public health concerns, no services are planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of SFASU’s many scholarship programs or The Hospice of East Texas.
"The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness." - John Muir
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