Richard Lowe

James Richard Lowe, 78, of Varnell passed away on February 3, 2026 after a brief illness. He was proceeded in death by his son, Jacob Lowe, parents, Ralph and Anna Lee Lowe, brother, Lloyd Lowe, and sister, Rhonda Lowe.

He is survived by his loving wife, Suzanne Fletcher Lowe, son, Josh (Valery) Lowe, daughter, Heather (Allen) Kilgore, and grandchildren Mary Beth Lowe, Anna Grace Lowe, Jacob Kilgore, and Tanner (Makayla) Kilgore.

Richard was a lifelong resident of Whitfield County and a 1966 graduate of North Whitfield High School. He later earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Brenau University. Richard spent the majority of his career with Shaw Industries, where he served as a Senior Human Resources Manager. Known throughout the company for being fair but firm, he was highly respected in his field and served as a mentor to many other human resource leaders.

Richard had a terrific sense of humor and loved to make others laugh. After retirement, he pursued elected office and served his community as a member of the Varnell City Council. A man of the Christian faith, Richard attended Rockbridge Community Church, where he served as a volunteer.

Throughout his life, Richard most enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a talented craftsman known for his ability to build anything. He and Suzanne enjoyed countless camping trips, and his favorite pastimes included feeding wildlife and spending time outdoors. A highlight of his retirement years was his annual father-son trip, during which he and his sons would attend football games in various states across the country. He cherished the time spent with his grandchildren and was immensely proud of each of them.

The family will receive friends at the Pleasant Grove Chapel of Julian Peeples Funeral Home on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 12:00 pm in the Chapel of Julian Peeples Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Hunt officiating and Richard's son, Josh Lowe giving a eulogy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in memory of Richard Lowe to the Rockbridge Community Church.

Messages of comfort may be sent to the family at www.julianpeeples.com.

Arrangements are by Julian Peeples Funeral Home, Dalton. For more information, please call 706-259-7455.