Zeb Abner Lowry

Zeb A. Lowry Jr., 90, of Mint Hill, NC, died Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at Novant Health Presbyterian Campus in Charlotte. Zeb was born in Pembroke, NC, on August 24, 1930, the second oldest son of Zeb and Fannie Belle Maynor Lowry. One of five brothers: Bill, Zeb, Earl, Dennis and Jack were simply known as “The Boys”. Fannie thought her boys were sweet, innocent, perfect angels that never did anything wrong, but ask anyone in town, and you would hear a different story. For Zeb and his brothers, the pranks, wild times and other adventures didn’t stop even after they grew up. Whether it was on the golf course or sitting around a table playing cards, at every chance Zeb would always try to outdo his brothers, and they would be trying to do the same. When his country called, he answered the call to service in the United States Air Force. On March 30, 1951, he entered into active service in Fayetteville, North Carolina. While in the Air Force, he trained and worked as an X-ray technician, spent almost 27 months in foreign service, and earned the following medals and commendations: Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. Zeb also enjoyed playing football while in the military and contributed to testing equipment for the NFL when it was issued to the military football team. After serving his enlistment and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, he was honorably discharged on March 29, 1955. While stationed in Florida, he met Anna Ruth Ayers, and they were married in Bowling Green, Ohio, and celebrated 66 years of marriage. In 1955, Zeb went to work for GM. During the Vietnam War, Zeb went to St. Louis where he managed a plant making armaments for the war effort. Ultimately, his management skills and natural abilities to run things efficiently led him to ultimately become a General Superintendent for Chevrolet Gear and Axle in Detroit, from which he retired in 1985 after 30 years of faithful service. When not working, Zeb enjoyed many things. Golfing, playing cards, fishing and working in the yard were just a few of those. When it came to golf, Zeb lived on the course and spent as much time there as he could. He would start in the morning and often did not return home until after dark. His persistence paid off as he accomplished a “hole-in-one” not once, but twice! Before his love of golf came fishing, however, and growing up he used to go all the time, even managing to set afire the first boat he owned. When it came to cards, Zeb loved all types of games, especially poker. Zeb was also a bit of dancer who you later found out had mad dance skills. He loved to have fun on a dance floor and the twirl and dip was his signature move. Many a family member and friend found out about this later, first hand, as they personally experienced the fear of being dropped when he dipped them. Most of all, however, Zeb loved the time spent with family and friends. He was a wonderful storyteller and had an uncanny ability to make everyone laugh. The stories he shared about the exploits of he and his brothers entertained everyone for hours, regardless of their age. As the night would go on, the stories would get wilder, louder and the subsequent laughter would fill the room. As he got older, the pride of his life was being “Grandpa Buddy” to his grandchildren. As Grandpa Buddy, he cherished the hours spent playing Pinochle and driving his youngest grandchild to school. Visiting Grandpa Buddy meant a wagon ride around the property, and if you were good (and lucky), you even got to sit on his lap and drive the tractor! Even if you were doing something that wasn’t fun, Zeb had a way of making it seem fun anyway. Zeb was an optimist at heart. His smile and positive attitude would light up any room. He was a morning person and would start each day very loudly, singing and carrying on while enjoying a big old bowl of cereal. Even after retirement, he continued to awaken early and start his day at the same time. Zeb never met a stranger and most of his friends found that they became family. He could start a conversation with anyone and in just a short time, make them feel like they had been friends of his for years. In life, you meet many people each day. Most you forget, but Zeb had a way of making your day so much better that he was one of the ones you always remembered. His love of life and unique spirit will be missed by all who were blessed to know him. Zeb is survived his wife, Anna Ruth Lowry of Mint Hill; his sons Greg (wife Celia) Lowry of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, Brian Lowry of Mint Hill and Will (wife Stacy) Lowry of Matthews; his grandchildren: Caroline, Alyssa, Danielle and Emma; and two brothers: Jack Lowery and Earl Lowry. Zeb is further survived by numerous other relatives, friends, and the lifetime friends he made while with GM for 30 years and with whom he remained in touch with and spent many a day playing golf and Euchre. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Bill and Dennis. Zeb’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for him and for them. A gathering will take place on Monday, August 2, 2021, at the funeral home, 4715 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews, NC 28105. As Zeb was a morning person, the gathering will begin at 8:00 AM and conclude at 9:30 AM. Social distancing will be practiced and masks will be required. At 9:30, the family will proceed privately to Sunset Memory Gardens for interment and military honors.

Zeb Abner Lowry

August 24, 1930 - July 27, 2021