Bright Anderson Lowry III

Bright Anderson Lowry III, age 88, passed peacefully surrounded by his family at Rolling Green Village on December 30, 2024. He was born April 6, 1936, to Bright Anderson Lowry Jr. and Rebecca Stallworth Lowry. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him through the many years of his life.
In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his wife of 58 years Judith Smith Lowry and brother Marion Banks Lowry.
He is survived by his daughters, Margaret Lowry Brock (Brian Brock) and Suzanne Lowry (Keith Murlless); grandsons, Robert Anderson Brock and Edwyn Lowry Brock; and brother, James Lowry (Martha); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, siblings-in-law, and cousins.
As a young child, Bright was known as "Sparky" to those who loved him. He grew up living in many places around the country as his father was transferred throughout World War II. Eventually the family settled in Great Falls, SC where he attended high school and graduated as valedictorian of his class in 1954.
After high school, Bright traveled to Boston, Massachusetts to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology majoring in Chemistry and graduating in 1958. He then moved to the University of Chicago where he received his PhD in physical chemistry. While in Chicago he enjoyed various bachelor hobbies such as skydiving, scuba diving (under the ice), and surviving a sinking sailboat in Lake Michigan.
After completing his PhD, Bright did post-doctoral work at Dartmouth College and UNC, Chapel Hill. While in Chapel Hill, at the suggestion of their mothers, he connected with a family friend from Great Falls. That connection was with Judy Smith who became his devoted wife and partner for the next 58 years. Bright and Judy married only 8 months after reconnecting and enjoyed a wonderful life of adventures together. Even in the last days of his life, he would ask to hold their wedding picture.
Bright and Judy had two daughters that were a source of pride. They spent countless hours watching volleyball, music performances, and simply enjoying time together. Summers were highlighted with a week at the beach with close friends that felt more like family. He was thrilled to become a grandfather and loved his two grandsons beyond measure.
Bright taught for almost 50 years, ending his career at Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina. Bright and Judy built a wonderful life for their family in Due West that included an amazing tree house with a zip-line spanning the entire back yard.
While in Due West, Bright was very active in the community. He was involved with Habitat for Humanity, their local church congregation, and was an inaugural member of the Due West Lions Club. His passion became the Due West Volunteer Fire Department. He became not only the chief of the department, but also an instructor for the South Carolina Fire Academy, shaping the training and skills of countless firefighters across the state. His impact has been recognized by the establishment of the "Chief Dr. Bright Lowry Training for Excellence Award," given to the top student in each class.
After retirement, Bright and Judy became very involved in ballroom dancing and cruising. They loved their time together traveling all over the world and dancing their way through as many events as they possibly could, including sponsoring a dance club at Erskine where they spent their Sunday afternoons teaching dancing to the club members.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown followed by the funeral service at 12:00 noon in the Chapel. A private family reception will take place immediately following the funeral service. A public graveside service and burial will begin at 3:00 p.m. in the Old Greenville Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Donalds, SC.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Due West Fire Department,13 Church St., Due West, SC 29639 or GRASP of Great Falls, SC - a charity created by his mother to help those less fortunate.
Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Bright with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".