Obituary: James “Larry” Lowrance
James “Larry” Lowrance, age 80 years, 1 month, and 10 days, departed this life peacefully on November 5, 2026, at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital, with his beloved family by his side. Services were 1 pm Wed., November 11, 2026, at Brints Chapel Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Bolivar were in charge of arrangements.
Larry was born on September 26, 1946, in Hardeman County, Tennessee, to Ruby Lee Sisco Lowrance and James Edward Lowrance. He was born in a house directly across the road from Brint’s Chapel Baptist Church, a place that would remain a special part of his life for all of his 80 years.
Larry was especially proud of the fact that both he and Brint’s Chapel Baptist Church began their journeys in 1946. He loved telling people that his mother took him to church when he was just a baby. He remained a lifetime member of Brint’s Chapel Baptist Church, became a Christian at a young age, and was an active and devoted member throughout his life. He gave his time helping with VBS and many other church activities. His faith was something he lived through his service, kindness, and love for others.
On September 10, 1971, Larry married the love of his life, Annette Conlee Lowrance, exactly two years after their first date. Together, they built a life centered around love, faith, family, and service to others. On September 8, 2001, they had a renewal of vows at Brint’s Chapel Baptist Church. Their children gave Annette away and their grandchildren participated in the renewal ceremony.
Larry was a devoted husband and a loving family man. He dearly loved his family and took great pride in being involved in their lives. He and Annette believed in showing up, being supportive, and making memories with their children and grandchildren, Larry served as a Boy Scout leader, helping teach and guide his son Brian’s troop. He proudly attended Girl Scout activities and dance recitals with his daughter, Jessica. Larry was a devoted band parent for both their children by attending band events, traveling with the bands, and proudly supporting their musical activities. One especially memorable adventure was when Larry and Annette traveled with Jessica’s band group to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, where the group marched and performed. Larry and Annette believed in being there for their children in all their activities. They made it a priority to share in the special moments of their lives. As a grandfather, Larry was always there to cheer on his grandchildren at their ballgames and activities. He loved taking them and their friends on various trips and outings, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Larry especially enjoyed working on cars and trucks with his grandson, Briceson. Their shared time working on vehicles was something special, and those memories will always be treasured. Larry’s greatest joy was his family. He didn’t just love them from a distance; he made time for them, encouraged them, supported them, and was present for the moments that mattered.
In his younger years, Larry earned a Certificate in Auto-Body Repair and later operated a service station in Bolivar, Tennessee, for several years. Larry went on to dedicate 36 years of his working life to Western Mental Health Institute, where he served as a Psychiatric Technician. He retired in June 2005. Larry genuinely loved the patients and took great pride in caring for them. His compassion and concern for those entrusted to his care reflected the kind of person he was.
Retirement did not mean Larry stopped serving others. He continued volunteering at Western Mental Health Institute for many years, assisting with Red Cross Blood Drives. He also devoted 16 years after retirement to volunteering with the Hardeman County Literacy Council, an organization that held a special place in his heart. He served on its Board of Directors, taught students, helped with fundraising, and willingly did whatever was needed. He also served as Director for several years. The council’s motto, “Each One Teach One,” reflected the spirit in which Larry served. He gave freely of his time and talents, making a difference in the lives of those he taught and served. Larry found great satisfaction in helping others and believed in giving back to his community. He was known for always helping anyone.
Larry and Annette were also members of Campers on Mission for the last 11 years. It is a national organization of Christian campers who volunteer their time and skills to share their faith and participate in practical mission projects. The organization’s motto, “Sharing Christ as We Go,” reflected the faith and spirit of service that were important in their lives.
Larry proudly served his country in the United States Army from January 18, 1966, through December 20, 1968. During his military service, he served in Germany and Vietnam. He then received an Honorable Discharge. His family remembers and honors his service and dedication to his country.
Larry enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, including gardening, reading, and fishing. He was always known to be wearing a cap and you never saw him without one on. He especially loved gardening, teaching his Grandson Ethen to garden at a young age. He took great pride in being a Master Gardener. In recognition of his dedication and years of service, Larry will be awarded his 10-year Master Gardener pin posthumously this month. Although he will not be here to receive it himself, this recognition is a fitting tribute to his love of gardening and his commitment to the program.
One of Larry’s greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren. He loved taking them and their friends on trips and outings, cheering them on at ballgames, and sharing in their everyday adventures. Whether tending his garden with Ethen, enjoying a good book, fishing, working on vehicles with Briceson, or loading up the grandchildren for another adventure, Larry found happiness in life’s simple pleasures and, most importantly, in spending time with the people he loved.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby Lee Sisco Lowrance and James Edward Lowrance; his brother, Thomas Lee Lowrance, and wife Geraldine Rollison Lowrance; his brother, Vernon Forrest Lowrance, and wife Marchia King Lowrance; and his stepbrother, Mike Bass, and wife Bonnie Pittman Bass.
Larry leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 55 years, Annette Conlee Lowrance; his stepmother, Helen Howell Lowrance, whom he lovingly called “Mom”; his children, Brian and Penny Lowrance and Jessica Lowrance and Tim McGee; his cherished grandchildren, Briceson, Alaina, and Ethen Lowrance; and his precious great grandsons, Blayden and Carson Lowrance. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Rosa Hatch of Bolivar; his stepsisters, Charolotte Jeter and Wayne, of Bolivar; Donna Dimopulos of Walnut, Mississippi; and Regeina Morrow and Glen, of Bolivar. Additionally, he leaves behind many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great great-nieces and nephews, along with many dear friends whose lives he touched throughout the years.
Larry’s life was one of faith, family, friendship, and service. He was a man who loved deeply, worked hard, served his country, cared for others, supported his church, and gave generously of his time to his community. From the little boy whose mother took him to church as a baby, to the husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and faithful servant he became, Larry lived a life that touched many hearts. He leaves a legacy of love, kindness, faith, and countless moments that will forever be treasured by those who knew him. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that his love and the life he lived will continue through the generations of family he cherished so dearly. We know through our faith that we will see him again. Memorial contributions in his name may be sent to Brint’s Chapel Cemetery Fund or LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center (www.lebonheur.org).
Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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