Fredrick “Rick” William Lowery Sr., 58, passed away Tuesday, May 22, 2012, of natural causes.

He was born in Copperhill, on May 26, 1953.

He and his family moved to Cleveland, before he started elementary school. He attended Adventist schools for elementary and junior high, and attended Cumberland Academy and Cleveland High School for his secondary education.

He began working at a young age for Bishop Baking Co. in Cleveland, as a local truck driver. As a result of hard work, he ultimately became the Plant Manager for several years.

With strong desire to improve the quality of life for his family, he started a business, Cultured Marble of Cleveland. He juggled both careers for a period of time, and then left Bishop’s to focus all of his time on Cultured Marble of Cleveland.

His final place of employment was Miller Industries in Ooltewah, and he worked there until he had to resign as a result of becoming permanently disabled.

In addition to being a hard worker, he had many hobbies and interests including music and cooking. He had a passion for American and World history, and a hunger for knowledge. He enjoyed playing strategy games such as chess, and favored the science fiction genre.

To all who knew him, he was among the wisest of people. Above all, he had a deep love and respect for his children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Lee Lowery and Bertie Rhodes Lowery.

He is survived by his daughter, Angela Lowery Harwood of Chattanooga; two sons: Matthew Ryan Lowery of Fairfax, Va., and Fredrick (Rick) William Lowery Jr. of Leesburg, Va.; two grandchildren: Lowery Monroe Harwood of Chattanooga and Justin Lee Lowery of Leesburg; brother, Marvin Lee Lowery of Murphy, N.C.; two sisters: Debra Jo Vess of Chattanooga and Doris Sue Barker of Murphy; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 26, 2012, at Fike Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Saturday at the funeral home prior to the service.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Lowery family guest book at www.fikefh.com.