Lowell Thomas "Tom" Overby

OVERBY, Lowell Thomas "Tom", 86, passed away peacefully in Henrico Doctors' Hospital on January 24, 2021. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Overby; and daughter, Lisa Crone (Steve). He is survived by Agnes Parrett; son, Victor Ray Overby (Diane); two grandchildren, Elaine Renick (Dalton) and Clyde Crone (Rotem); and brother, Charles Overby. Tom was a native of Halifax County, Virginia. He graduated from Volens High School in 1953 and two days after graduation enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served honorably for four years. He obtained his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VPI& SU), his master's degree in engineering from Penn State University and his doctorate in industrial engineering and operations research from VPI&SU. Early in his career, Tom was an electronics engineer with Selwood Research and worked as an engineer with IBM. Tom worked at Roanoke Technical Institute and Central Virginia Community College. He was the Director of Management Services at the Va. Community College System, Provost, Parham Road Campus of Reynolds Community College and Dean of the College. Reynolds bestowed upon him the title of Retired Professor Emeritus and Provost Emeritus. After retiring from Reynolds Community College, Tom served as Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies at VCU School of Engineering and Acting Chair of Mechanical Engineering and Chemical Engineering. Tom was past president of the Bon Air Rotary Club and is currently a member of American Legion Post 125. He enjoyed classical music and was an avid reader of military history. A celebration of Tom's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021, at Clover Bottom Baptist Church, 7042 Stage Coach Road, Nathalie, Va. If you wish to honor him, please consider a donation to the Parkinson's Foundation at Parkinson.org. or the Alzheimer's Association Greater Richmond Chapter, 4600 Cox Rd., Suite 130, Glen Allen, Va. 23060. Online condolences can be left at Blileys.com.