Billy Trice Lowry

1933 - 2026

Billy Trice Lowry, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on January 30, 2026, at St. John's United in Billings, Montana. He was born on July 10, 1933, to the late E. Q. Lowry and Maidee Sappington Lowry, who raised him in the Black Zion community in Pontotoc County.

Billy lived a life rooted in dedication and service. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1954. A few years later in August of 1956, he married the love of his life, Alma Faye Franks Lowry. As a young husband, he worked diligently toward his education at Mississippi State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1957 and a Master of Education in 1960.

His passion for learning and leadership shaped a long and meaningful career in education. Billy served as a high school teacher and administrator, roles that allowed him to mentor countless students. His work eventually led him to Itawamba Junior College, where he continued to make a lasting impact on the lives of those he served.

Billy lived a life rich with simple joys and the bonds he built with those around him. He found great happiness in music and was a proud member of the Monday Night Pickers, always ready to gather with friends and play his guitar. He served with dedication on the North Mississippi Rodeo committee for many years and was a faithful member of Parkway Baptist Church.

His hobbies were a true source of fulfillment. He enjoyed horseback riding in the mountains of Montana with his son in law, working with leather, crafting beaded tack, caring for his roses and yard, and reading westerns by Louis L'Amour along with any plot twisting detective novel he could find. Travel was a shared passion for Billy and his wife, Faye, and together they explored the country. Their annual visits to Montana and family vacations to Orange Beach, Alabama, remain treasured memories.

Billy also found joy in the simple routine of meeting friends for coffee each week. He had a lifelong fondness for old western films and attended many movie festivals with his son, Bill Jr., where they met Hollywood western legends.

He is survived by his children, Bill Lowry, Jr. and his wife, Joann, Kristy Lowry Catlin and her husband, Dan Catlin; grandchildren, Justin Hoffman and his wife Abby, Sam Catlin and his wife, Tiff, Cole Catlin and his wife, Alyssa; great-grandchildren, Jules Hoffman, Willow Catlin, Franklin Catlin, and a great-granddaughter on the way; sister, Mary Jean Reeder and her husband, Ellis Reeder; brother-in-law, Roger Franks; and a host of nieces and nephews that held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Faye.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Pegues, Tupelo.

A Celebration of Life honoring Mr. Billy Lowry will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues Funeral Directors with Rev. Jesse Huggins, Rev. Paul Brashier, and family friend Mr. ¬¬¬¬Mark McNeece officiating. Burial will follow at Black Zion Cemetery in Pontotoc.

Pallbearers will be Sam Catlin, Justin Hoffman, Jamie Franks, Jay Reeder, Dee Atkins, and Jordan Atkins.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers and friends from the Gregory Greenhouse at Traceway in Tupelo, Mississippi, and the Fischer Cottage at St. John's United in Billings, Montana.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkway Baptist Church at 1302 Lee St, Tupelo, Mississippi 38804.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be left at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.