Ronald Leon Lowery, Sr.

Ronald (Ron) Leon Lowery, Sr. passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026, he was 76 years of age. Quite the character and athlete, his big personality and gregarious nature will be missed.

Ron grew up in Ocoee, TN and attended Polk County High School in Benton, TN, where he excelled in basketball and baseball. He attended the University of Tennessee - Knoxville before transferring to Cleveland State where he played on the college baseball team. He then went to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he continued playing baseball and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He began his 30 year banking career in Chattanooga before moving to Jasper, TN to serve as Branch Vice President in South Pittsburg, TN. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Jasper.

While in Jasper, he developed into an outstanding tennis player, playing and medalling in singles and doubles tournaments across the tri-state area. Blessed with superior hand-eye coordination and longer than average wingspan, he was a formidable presence at the net. He was a fixture at the local ballfields playing softball, coaching little league, and throwing countless batting practice sessions to his sons, Ronnie and Jamie. His cat-like reflexes and great hands saved his hide from many a comebacker.

Ron retired from banking and moved with his wife, Dianne, to Jekyll Island, GA where he continued to play tennis and became an instructor and go-to playing partner at the Jekyll Island Tennis Center. After a number of years, they moved back to Polk County, where he assumed care of the Lowery

cattle herd to the surprise of anyone who knew him. He loved animals, including dogs Gus and Buddy; cats Sonny, Emi 1 and 2, Smokey; and his cows, most of whom he also named.

Preceded in death by his son, Ronnie Lowery, Jr. of Chattanooga, TN; parents, Sam Lowery, Sr. and Beulah Lowery, of Ocoee, TN. He is survived by his wife, Dianne Lowery, of Benton, TN; son, Jamie (Sarah) Lowery, of Spring Hill, TN; sister Lamone (George) Rose, of Etowah, TN; brothers, Frank (Faye) Lowery, of Ocoee, TN, and Sam Lowery, Jr., of Etowah, TN; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Companion Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements. A small private family gathering will be held at a later date.