Dr. John Lowry Eatman

1943 - 2022

Eatman, Dr. John Lowry

December 4, 1943 - February 3, 2022

Dr. John Lowry Eatman, Associate Professor Emeritus at UNC-Greensboro, died unexpectedly on February 3, 2022 in Greensboro, NC.

John was born on December 4, 1943 in Wadesboro, NC to Etta Lowry Eatman and Milton Raymond Eatman. He graduated from Atlantic Christian College with a degree in mathematics, where he also played number one seed on the varsity tennis team. Following his graduation, John worked as a computer programmer for the Defense Department of the US Navy in Washington, DC. During this time, John earned his MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University. He continued his education at the University of South Carolina, where he received his PhD in 1972. His first faculty position was in the Business department at UNC-Charlotte, where he also coached the varsity tennis team. Later he taught at The University of Richmond and East Carolina University, before finally settling into his long-time position at the Bryan School of Business and Economics at UNCG in the Department of Information Systems. John was a well-renowned professor and valuable business manager for UNCG administration for over 31 years. Throughout his career, he continued to play tennis, competing at a high level in state and regional tournaments and winning multiple North Carolina state singles titles in his age group.

John had two beloved sons, Andy and Josh, with his first wife, Janis. John coached Andy's and Josh's childhood soccer teams, resulting in an enduring passion for learning about the sport. John carried this expression of interest and support throughout his sons' careers, continuously proof-reading Andy's screenplays for clarity, precision, and narrative economy. John later met Nancy Thornton, his wife and partner of nearly 22 years. Together, Nancy and John traveled to Europe 36 times, and took many walks with their adored dogs, Ellie, Norm, and Emily. John was a supportive mentor to his two stepdaughters, Kati and Anna, offering practical advice to almost any conceivable life matter. He adored his siblings, Mary Etta and Rusty, and talked with them multiple times a week.

John was "Dr. Know" to his weekly coffee and tennis group. The nickname was so fitting that his family later adopted it. John knew facts, he knew people, and he knew life. He imparted this knowledge to all on virtually any subject imaginable. If he didn't have the knowledge, he looked it up and passed it on. He was the definition of a life-long learner. John embodied the virtue of tolerance; he was not judgmental and was always open to others' opinions and views, treating people and their perspectives with respect and dignity. He passed his knowledge on with humility, kindness, and thoughtfulness and that is what made him such a great companion, friend, and family member to so many. John was also unfailingly generous, serving on the board of Goodwill Industries, Meals on Wheels, and Habitat for Humanity. More directly, John was known for his generosity and kind spirit among his many friends and family members.

John is survived by his wife, Nancy Thornton of Greensboro, NC; son, William Andrew Eatman of Los Angeles, CA; stepdaughter, Kathryn Grainger Buckner of Charlotte, NC; stepdaughter, Anna Dalton Buckner and son-in-law, Anders Ethan Sjöstrand of Valle Crucis, NC; sister, Mary Etta Moore of Wilson, NC; and brother, Milton Raymond Eatman of Wilson, NC. He was predeceased by his son, Joshua Lowry Eatman, and his parents.

John will be missed terribly, but will be frequently remembered.

Triad Cremation & Funeral Service

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