Henry Hill Lowery

As a result of his experience in the Boy Scouts, he was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Gadsden, Alabama during the early 1930’s. In 1935 he married his high school sweetheart and began a journey which took them to Phoenix, Arizona in 1942 to work for the aircraft subsidiary of Goodyear. In 1945 they moved to Cumberland, Maryland where Henry worked for Kelly-Springfield Tire Company in the Industrial Engineering Department. In 1960 he was put on special assignment and was instrumental in choosing Tyler, TX as Kelly-Springfield’s first new production facility and became the first plant manager of the Tyler plant. In 1967 he was promoted to Executive Vice President of Manufacturing for Kelly-Springfield and moved back to Cumberland, Maryland. In 1979 Henry retired and he and Jo moved back to Tyler.

Henry enjoyed fishing at Lake Palestine, playing golf, gardening, woodworking and travel. Henry was proud to say he and Jo had driven and visited all 50 states.

Henry was an elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Tyler and created the garden between the current sanctuary and family-life center building. He served more than 15 different community and area organizations including the East Texas Hospital Foundation Board and was Chairman in 1985-86, Tyler Chamber of Commerce Board, Citizens Bank Board, Campaign Chairman of the United Way Fund, YMCA advisory board, Texas Manufacturing Association, American Cancer Society and Mental Health Association. He received the Silver Beaver Award from the East Texas Area Boy Scouts. He was a board member of Willow Brook Country Club where he and Jo enjoyed many beautiful days of golf.

Survivors include his two sons and daughters in law, Dr. Thomas Lowery and wife June, Roger Lowery and wife Gay; three grandchildren and spouses, Chris Lowery, Allison Davidson and husband Byron, and Drew Lowery and wife Laurie; and three great grandchildren, Caroline and Claire Davidson and Luke Lowery.

A private burial will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home with Rev. Pamela Leach officiating.

If desired memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Children’s Village of East Texas or East Texas Area Boy Scouts.