Melvin Lamar Lowe

After a short battle with Leukemia, Melvin Lamar Lowe, passed away at Piedmont Fayette Hospital on the morning of Monday, July 8, 2024.

His story on this Earth began on Monday, September 24, 1945, in Bartow County, Georgia when Melvin, Sr. and Lucille were blessed with a handsome son named after his father. Melvin Lowe, affectionately called “Winky” received his education in the Bartow County School System in Adairsville, Georgia. He then attended Summer Hill High School in Cartersville, Georgia. He enlisted in the United States Army at Ft. Gillem, GA on June 4,1964 and served until 1990. Lowe (as he is also known) honored us with his service in the Vietnam War in 1966. After 26 years of service, Melvin retired at Ft. McPherson, GA on July 1,1990 with the final rank at retirement of Master Sergeant. While in the military, he was stationed in many countries including Naples, Italy where he partnered with the Italian police department while he lended his expertise with his keen eye.

Melvin married Shirley Watson on June 12, 1971 in Panama. From this union, they welcomed two children: Michelle Denise (50) and Mark Dwayne (44).

After retiring from the U.S. Army, Winky continued his education and obtained an Associates Degree from St. Leo College. In addition, he continued to pursue a career path in protecting others as he worked in security for several companies such as Spelman College, Dupree Security and more where he worked trade and jewelry shows.

He served his community and was his son’s Boy Scout Den Leader and emulated leadership and service to many.

He enjoyed the pleasure of driving luxury cars while maintaining a practical car to ensure he always had reliable transportation to arrive early to work or to wherever he was going. Wherever he went, he was not only punctual, but was the best dressed. And, if you had the pleasure to drive in his car or visit his home, you would be even more impressed of the exemplary example of a well organized vehicle and home.

In his mature years, he continued to enjoy going to the gym, traveling, serving in his church, being with friends and building memories with his family and grandchildren. Melvin was a member of Fountain of Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Riverdale, GA.

Melvin is preceded in death by his parents: Melvin Lowe, Sr. and Lucille Davis Carter; bonus father, Ernest G. Hayes; sisters: Dorothy Scott, Estelle Slocum, Martha Lowe, Francis Carter, Katherine Lowe Ingram and Lurlene Lowe; bonus sisters: Katie Harris, Ollie Reese, Gladys Christian, Ethel Bee Kinnebrew, and Jewell Williams; brothers: Ernest Carter, Robert Carter, Calvin Lowe, Sr., James L. Moore and bonus brother, Troy Carter; sisters-in-love: Daphne Carter and Bobbie J. Carter; brothers-in-love: Sam Sanders, William Slocum Jr., Theodore Scott, and Horace Reese.

Those left to reflect on his memories: daughter, Michelle Lowe Ward; son-in-love, William Taylor Ward; son, Mark Lowe; grandchildren: Ethan Mackenzie and Lunden “Lundy” Taylor Ward, Ta'Mari “Marz” and Kh'Jari “KJ” Lark; sister, Annie Bell Carter Sanders; brother, Leroy Carter; sisters-in-love, Joan Carter, Cora Lowe, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.