John Rufus Lowrey

John Rufus Lowrey, 82, transitioned peacefully from this life into eternal rest surrounded by his loved ones at the family home on April 30th, 2021.

He was born April 19, 1939 in Crossville, Alabama to Lester Lowrey and Sally Odell Lowrey. John was raised in Crossville along with his brothers, Ronnie and Tommie. In his early years, he developed an interest in raising and showing horses for many years when he lived in Alabama. He graduated from Geraldine High School.
John served in the U. S. Army in both active and inactive duty. He lived in Alabama, El Paso, Texas and Amarillo, Texas before settling in Carlsbad, NM where he lived the last 30 years of his life. He worked as a cross country truck driver for over 40 years as both a self employed independent contractor and for various companies. He drove trucks in the oilfield for many years. He truly enjoyed his time on the road and the many truck driving friends that he made along the way. His most memorable trip was when he met Sheryl in 1980. The couple married on August 31, 1983 and were inseparable. John’s everlasting love for her was captured in a Trace Adkins song that he dedicated to her –The Rest of Mine.
A vital part of John’s life has been his strong faith and belief in God. He was a member of Otis Baptist Church and also attended Cavern Baptist Church. He loved to garden and to BBQ. He enjoyed traveling around the country visiting with family and friends. He will be remembered for his joyous laughing spirit. His jokes and teasing never wavered throughout his life.
John will be greatly missed by his wife, his children, John Wesley Lowrey (Pam) of Crossville, Alabama; Jackie Keith Lowrey (Betty) of Crossville, Alabama; Paige Lowrey Smith (Jimmy) of Hollypond, Alabama; Amanda Nicole Lowrey White (Nick) of Carlsbad, NM; and Leslie Dawn Lowrey (Robin) Wiggins of Justin, Texas.
Papa John is survived by his grandkids, Derreck, David, Seth, Shawna, Leanna, Jonathan, Timothy, Allie, Shylah, CeeAra, Sarah Jo, Sativa, Delone, Divine, and Jayde and seven precious great grandbabies. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, family members and friends who will forever treasure his memory.
He was preceded in death by his parents: John Lester and Sally Odell (Harding) Lowrey; Janice Lowrey (daughter), Denise Lowrey (daughter), Jude Lowrey (great grandson), Henry and Billie Walker (in laws) and Bradley Walker Lewis (nephew).
He loved God, he loved his wife, he loved his family and he loved life. We are grateful to have been chosen to be a part of his journey this side of heaven. We grieve at our loss but rejoice in the assurance that we will be reunited again one day in glory!
At John’s request, there will be no services. A celebration of his life hosted by his favorite BBQer’s , Clay and Dustin Walker, will be held at a later date. At John’s request, he wanted friends and family to help look out for his wife- Sheryl Lowrey. The family extends a special thanks to the Encompass Hospice Team. Condolences can be left at dentonwood.com . Services are entrusted to Denton Wood Funeral Home.