William Duff Lowes

William Duff Lowes (Bill), 74 of Rossville passed away on March 6,2022. Bill grew up in Kansas but spent most of his adult life in the Chattanooga/ North Georgia area that he so loved. Bill lived a rewarding yet challenging life. As a young man he served in Vietnam with the 1st Calvary. During the TET offensive in 1967 he received a serious head wound while trying to assist other soldiers. He was evacuated to Japan where he remained in a coma for many weeks. When he finally awoke, he could not talk, walk, or write. As his treating nurse relayed to the family, when the Doctor tried to tell him he might not recover his functions, Bill gave the Doctor the “universal” sign that he did not agree with the Doctor’s assessment. Bill’s determination saw him through multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation work until he had regained full function. Those who knew and loved Bill could regale you with stories of his determination. Bill returned to Vietnam to finish his tour of duty. He received numerous decorations for his valor and service. After leaving the Army, Bill returned to North Georgia. He completed hiscertification as a Master Mechanic. Later he worked for 20 years as a Corrections Officer and was named the officer of the year for Walker State Prison. While this was a hard job, Bill rarely had problems with inmates because he treated them with respect and expected the same from them. Bill was blessed to have married three wonderful women all of whom he lost to illness. Bill was preceded in death by Louwana Lowes, Betty Lowes, and Julia ( Judy) Lowes. Although he had no children of his own, he was a fast friend and mentor to his many stepchildren and grandchildren, and he embraced each and everyone as his “own”. His extended family was very important to him, and he spoke of them often. While Bill was close with all of his extended family, Mistina Franklin, Judy’s granddaughter, and her children, Christopher and Isabella , were extremely close and important to Bill. Mistina helped Bill navigate a number of health issues over the last few years. Their support and care were invaluable to him. Bill’s whole face and demeanor would light up when talking about Mistina and her children. Bill would happily discuss all his extend children and grandchildren with a grin on his face and pride in his voice. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William A and Eleanor B Lowes and by his grandsons, Chris Lewis and Jeremy Worthington. He is survived by his sister Sue Harper, her family—husband Doug Harper, son Doug R Harper( spouse Linda); daughter Rebekah Arizpe (spouse Nick)and great nieces and nephew Cameron Arizpe, Lucas Arizpe, Morgan Harper; by his brother Mark Lowes, and his family—wife Kim Lowes, and children Sara R Lowes, Matthew Lowes (spouse April), Brian Whitehouse and Christina Whitehouse; by his step children-Cindy Landen, Loyd Lewis Jr (Kathi), Keith Lewis (Marion), Tony Lewis(Mary), Ronnie Lewis, Albert Lewis; by Harold Cooper; by Mistina Franklin, Anthony Lewis, Tara Kelley, Eric Lewis, Adam Lewis, Heath Landen, Betsy Lewis, Jamie Lewis, Ryan Lewis, Tyler Lewis, and grand-children and many more friends and family. Bill will be remembered as a gentle giant who was always ready and willing to offer a helping hand. He worked to treat others the way he would want to be treated. Despite the many challenges and losses that life gave him, Bill chose to see the positive in life and to envelope those close to him with his strong arms and limitless love and compassion. His mother and father were proud of the man he became. He will be missed. A celebration of life will be held Saturday March 19, 2022 from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the VFW post 3679, 98 Memorial Dr. Ft. Oglethorpe Ga. 30742. Military Funeral Honors will be held at 4:00 p.m. Donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers at t2t.org, a group special to Bill that supports First Responders and Veterans.

William Duff Lowes

August 1, 1947 - March 6, 2022