Thomas Marvell Lowe Jr.

Thomas M. Lowe, Jr. passed away on Friday, March 6, 2015 at the age of 86. Tom served 40 years on the Fulton county Commission before retiring at the end of December of 2014. He was the longest serving Commissioner of Fulton County in Georgia history.

Tom was born in Gainesville, Florida, on September 17, 1928 to Professor Thomas M. Lowe, Sr. and Grace Haile Lowe. He was one of two children. After graduating from Auburn High School in Auburn, AL., he went on to earn a degree in Civil Engineering in 1949 from Alabama Polytechnical Institute, later known as Auburn University. He was commissioned in 1949 as a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Army eventually retiring at the rank of Captain. He was a graduate of the Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA.

Tom and Bettye were married in 1950 and had four children, Tim, Scott, Cynthia and Kathryn. Tom and Bettye were active in the Republican Party for many years serving the constituents of Fulton County and the State of Georgia. Bettye was the first woman elected county wide to serve Fulton County in the Georgia House of Representatives.

Tom was first elected to the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in 1974. He helped lead Fulton County during a long period of major transition, particularly the growth of North Fulton in the 1980’s amid changing political climates. His original district encompassed the area from 10th street in downtown Atlanta to North Alpharetta

During his time on the Board of Commissioners, Tom was known for his staunch commitment to Grady Memorial Hospital as well as having a passion for the continued support of The Arts in Fulton County. He consistently advocated for the continued funding for these important institutions throughout his service. He was also an ardent friend and supporter of many County employees.

Tom also served on the Atlanta-Fulton County Water Resources Commission since its inception in 1986 and served as Chair for multiple terms. He was an active member of the Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority and served on the Fulton County Pension Board. His most enduring legacy would be the Benson Senior Center in Sandy Springs and the Wolf Creek Shooting venue in south Atlanta.

Tom founded Lowe Engineers, Inc. in 1957. As a Civil Engineer, Tom played a vast role in the development of Atlanta, and played a part in the planning, design and supervision of construction for projects throughout the southeast, including Georgia 400. After retiring from his company, Tom continued working as a developer of commercial and industrial properties throughout the Metro Atlanta. In addition to his commitments to his public service, he was an entrepreneur in the truest sense.

Tom was also a champion skeet shooter and member of the National Skeet Shooting Association All- American Team, Senior Division. In his role with Fulton County, he played a key part in developing Wolf Creek Skeet and Trap Range which hosted the 1996 Olympic shooting competition. Fulton County later named the range The Tom Lowe Shooting Grounds in his honor.

Family and friends will remember the twinkle in his eye, his love of jokes and pranks, and his gift for telling a good story. He was generous in his donations to many important causes. The Tom and Bettye Lowe Lobby and Grand Foyer at Auburn University’s Shelby Center for Engineering Technology was named in recognition of the Lowe’s generous support of the Samuel Ginn School of Engineering.

Tom is survived by his wife Bettye, son Tim (Traci) of Atlanta, son Scott (Markeeta) of Roswell, and daughter Kathryn Lowe Blackburn (Bryan) of Auburn, AL., as well as his grandchildren Elise, Hailey, Paige, Patrick, Nicholas, Katy and Elizabeth, nephews Jim Courson (Becky), Michael Courson (Gina), and niece KimberlyTuttle (Bill), and 7 great grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister Sarah Lowe Large, and his daughter Cynthia Lowe Bender.

The family will receive friends at The Cathedral of St Philip on Friday, March 13, 2015 beginning at 2:00pm followed by a memorial service at 3:00. In lieu of flowers the family is asking donations be made to Zoo Atlanta, c/o Raymond King, 800 Cherokee Ave, SE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30315.