Lowry Hillman Shrader

1941 - 2011

Lowry Hillman Shrader

Lowry Hillman Shrader, age 70, lifelong Clarksville resident, died Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at his residence after a life defined by his faith, his family, and his entrepreneurship.

Born March 23, 1941 in Clarksville, he was a deacon at First Baptist Church, former president of the Clarksville South Camp of Gideons International, and former president of the Clarksville Jaycees. He received a certification in apologetics from Biola University's Talbot School of Theology. His commitment to his Christian beliefs shaped his role as husband, father, businessman and civic leader, acting on the Biblical instruction from the Gospel of John that "if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

His business career began as a teller at 1st Trust and Savings Bank. He worked as a salesman at Maynard Motors while starting his own printing and marketing company, Creative Corporation. As an entrepreneur, he later invested in the Culligan franchise, which led him to establish a TV, appliance, and furniture rental store chain. He was a founder of the national TRIB Buyers Group headquartered in Atlanta and served as chairman of the board and CEO for eight years. He also served on the board of the national trade association APRO. He was a pilot, a self-taught artist, and a musician, playing drums in Clarksville High School Band and later in the dance combo "Apogees," the gospel group "The Foundations," and the First Baptist Church Orchestra.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Annette Murphy Shrader; three children, Sherre Hartlage of Clarksville, Kevin Shrader of Nolensville, TN and Jeremy Shrader of Memphis; six grandchildren, Jace Hartlage, Mitch Hartlage, Shrader Hartlage, Lauren Shrader, Olivia Shrader and Seth Shrader; his brothers, Morton Shrader of Clarksville and Charlie Shrader of Brentwood, TN; a sister, Patsy Higgins of Brentwood, TN; an aunt, Frances Clardy Black of Clarksville; and his brothers-in-law, Doyle Murphy of Charlotte, TN, Frank Murphy of Clarksville, Brian Walker of Seattle and sister-in-law, Margaret Coone of McEwen, TN.

He was preceded in death by his son, Geoffrey Shrader; his parents, Raymond and LaRue Shrader; a brother, Carl "Mickey" Shrader; a brother-in-law, Harris Neal Murphy; and daughter-in-law, Emily Jones Shrader.

Visitation was Friday from 2 to 8 p.m., at Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, and Saturday from 9:30 until 11 a.m., at First Baptist Church of Clarksville. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m., at First Baptist Church. He will be intered at Greenwood Cemetery in Clarksville, next to his late son, Geoffrey Shrader.

Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home of Clarksville is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be made to www.neal-tarpley.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Gideons International.

Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, (931) 645-6488.