Ernest B. Lowe, Sr.

Ernest Broyles Lowe, age 96, died March 1, 2009 at Shannondale Healthcare Center, Maryville. Born January 12, 1913 in Briceville, Tennessee, he grew up in Anderson County, Tennessee, and in Summerlee, West Virginia. He graduated in three years from Oak Hill High School, West Virginia, where his English teacher, Rachael Ferguson, inspired him to continue his education at Maryville College, her alma mater. He worked his way through Maryville College, graduating in 1935 with a degree in mathematics. As a student at Maryville College, he developed a lifelong commitment to the College and to the community. Active for many years with the Maryville College Alumni Association, he served as its President in 1960-61. A member of New Providence Presbyterian Church, he served there as a Deacon and an Elder. During WWII, he served as a civilian member of the Army Air Forces Technical Training Command, teaching radio communications. He spent his career as a manufacturers' representative, traveling to colleges and universities throughout the southeast. Respected and loved throughout his life for his kindness and quiet dignity, his intellect and curiosity inspired in his family a love of learning and education. A very beloved husband, father, and grandfather, he was preceded in death by his parents Fred Cummings Lowe and Cora Foster Lowe, his brother, Fred Cummings Lowe, Jr., and his wife of 68 years, Esther C. Lowe. He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Marty and David Black of Maryville; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Ernest B. Lowe, Jr., and wife, Patricia, of Oxford, Mississippi; grandchildren, Charlotte Black Grzebien and husband, John, of Alexandria, Virginia, Elizabeth Lowe of Greenwich, Connecticut, Charlotte Lowe Narvaez and husband, Victor Hugo, of Round Rock, Texas, Mason Ernest Lowe and wife, Meredith, of Jackson, Mississippi, and Elizabeth Black of Brooklyn, New York; great-grandchildren, Jack Grzebien, Sarah Narvaez, and Laura Narvaez; nieces and nephews, Philip Lowe, George Merriam, John Merriam, Charlotte Merriam Cole, and Susan Merriam. Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ernest B. Lowe Endowed Scholarship at Maryville College, 502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, Tennessee 37804-5907. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ernest B. Lowe, Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.