John Lowry

John Shrader Lowry, age 73, died unexpectedly from a heart attack on August 28, 2025, while walking on the

beach with his wife and their two dogs, after spending a beautiful day together at their vacation home on St.

George Island, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his oldest brother, Richard Bruce Lowry, and his older sister who died before he

was born, Frances Jean Lowry.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Linn Durbin of Atlanta and his son, of whom he was so proud,

Samual James Lowry of Nashville TN (born during his previous marriage to Debbie Brown Lowry).

Also, his brother William (Rebecca) Lowry of Clemmons NC; sisters Virginia Ives of Chapel Hill NC, and

Barbara Landes of Atlanta GA; sister in-law Rebecca Stevenson Lowry of Beaver Creek OH, and his much-

loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

John was born in Columbus, Georgia on August 20, 1952, the youngest of Richard M. and Marjorie T. Lowry’s

six children. The family moved to Roanoke, Virginia in 1963 where John attended Northside High School,

played drums in the marching band, and was a two-time Virginia state wrestling champion.

He attended the University of Georgia on a wrestling scholarship and graduated in 1974 with a degree in

History. After working for a few years in California and North Carolina, he returned to Atlanta where he had a

successful career as a mortgage broker.

Always an athlete, when his son Sam was taking karate lessons, John joined in and got his black belt at age 50.

For many years he was a volunteer wrestling coach for the Walker Middle School in Marietta GA. He loved

encouraging youngsters and wanted them to feel good about themselves. John was known as someone who

always offered support, kindness and good humor.

For the last 15 years of his life, he often performed in the “open mic night” community in Atlanta, playing the

guitar and singing in various clubs around the city. He began performing to improve his guitar and singing

skills, but his real fun came from the genuine friendships he made with his fellow musicians in that world.

John was respected for his integrity and was kind in all his interactions. He strongly supported civil and

personal human rights. He had a quick sense of humor and found much to laugh about in life. He was patient

with the world. He was not afraid.

He had friendships that went back decades. He was deeply in love with his wife, and cherished his son, his

brothers and sisters, his in-laws, and all his family. He delighted in his dogs, Piper and Tetta. He was grateful.

He brought joy to all the lives he touched. He will be sorely missed.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church at

3016 Lanier Drive, NE, Brookhaven GA 30319. A reception at the church will follow.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice will be appreciated.