Deacon Alfred Lowry, age 81, of Bedford, VA departed this life on Friday, March 17, 2017 at Salem VA Medical Center. He was born December 9, 1935 to the late Henry Otey, Sr. and Pearl Lowry Otey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, James Lowry, Henry Lowry, Jr., and George Lowry and one sister, Anna Sutton.

Alfred graduated from Susie G. Gibson High School in 1955. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army where he faithfully served his country for 25 years. He retired at the rank of 1st Sargent. He began his second career at Wheelabrator Frye Abrasives, Inc. in Bedford. He retired from there after 25 years of dedicated and faithful service.

Alfred was a longstanding and faithful member of Washington St. Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board, Superintendent of the Sunday School, member of the Senior Choir and Male Chorus, Missionary Ministry, and Interdenominational Men's Fellowship. In addition, he was a dedicated volunteer of the Shepard's Table Ministry in Bedford and volunteered countless hours for Bedford Ride.

He leaves to honor his memory his loving wife of 57 years, Rubye Lowry; three children, including two sons, Michael Lowry (Shawn) and Robert Lowry (Kenitra), both of Atlanta, GA; one daughter, Brenda Clarke (Edwin, Jr.) of Winston Salem, NC; eight grandchildren, Jordon Bonner (Sierra), Mikeala Lowry, Rastassia Armstrong (Jay), Joshua Lowry (Mikhaila), Jonathan Lowry, Benjamin Clarke, Kaylee Clarke, and Khalil Clarke; four great grandchildren, Jayden Lowry, Milan Lowry, Jaxson Armstrong, and Ragen Armstrong; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 11am at Washington Street Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Fairmont Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 24, 2017 from 6-7pm at Washington Street Baptist Church.



~Until We Meet Again~
I know your heart is breaking and your eyes are filled with tears
But I ask you not to cry for me because your smile is so dear.
My time has come to go to heaven up above
Where there's no more pain or suffering; it's peaceful like a dove.
I'll save a place right next to me in our castle past the gates
Until it's time for you to join me; God and I will wait.