J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Lowrance, William R., Jr.

Sunday, April 08, 2007

William Ramon Lowrance Jr., a loving and devoted husband and father, died Sunday evening, April 8, 2007, at home with his wife and children. He was preceded by his father, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Lowrance. Survivors include his mother, Faye R. Lowrance, his wife, Carolyn, and daughter Meghan Carole, and son Matthew Burton, all of Hopewell. His son Christopher Lowrance lives with his wife, Debbie, and Bill’s grandson, Brandon in Centreville. His family includes his sister Judy Cody and her husband Doyle, of Mars Hill, North Carolina; his sister Jennifer Waskey and her husband Ed, of Hopewell; and a beloved niece, Christine Peterson of Keswick. Bill was born on New Year’s Eve 1944, in Carthage, Missouri. After graduation from the Miller School of Albemarle, Bill served his country as a sergeant in the Air Force, including a year in Vietnam. Returning home, he joined the C&P telephone company, where he was known as “Wild Bill.” He would go on to work as a lineman for C&P and its successors for 30 years. He married Carolyn Brubaker of Roanoke in August 1972, and they made their home in Hopewell. They joyfully welcomed their daughter Meghan in 1984 and their son Matt the following year. Family and friends will always remember Bill as a Good Samaritan who lived his life helping other people. He treasured his many years helping lead Boy Scout Troop #923, which honored him with its Distinguished Leadership Award for 15 years of service. Bill was a longtime member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Hopewell and of the Communications Workers of America, Local 2201. Bill’s family invites friends to celebrate his life Saturday, April 14, at 11am at Wesley United Methodist Church, 2901 Norfolk Street, Hopewell 23860. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crater Community Hospice, 840 West Roslyn Road, Colonial Heights 23834 or to the Massey Cancer Center, 401 College Street, Richmond 23298. Arrangements are being conducted by the J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Hopewell, VA, where condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com

Even though I did not know Bill personally, I am a retiree of C&P and I have been in remission of cancer for at least 11 years. I get my hope and strength from God's Word, the Bible. Your hope and strength will also come from His words. May God continue to help you to endure this most difficult time and keep in mind the promise of the resurrection hope.

Posted by: Gloria A. Cash at April 12, 2007 10:08 AM

Carolyn,
Words can not express how sad we were to learn of Bill's death. Jim and I have often talked about what an inspiration he was in helping Jim deal with his own fight with cancer. Bill stayed so upbeat even when he was in pain and the news from the Drs was not good. He had the best attitude of anyone that we have ever met. We feel so fortunate to have met both of you. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
May Bill rest in peace.
Love,
Jim and Gail Wilson

Posted by: Jim and Gail Wilson at April 12, 2007 12:38 AM

Carolyn and Family,
Words can't express our sadness for your loss. Your family lived next door to my parents for so many years - and we have shared sad and happy times with you. Bill was so close to Daddy - and your being next door was very reassuring to me as the years went by. I knew there wasn't anything Bill wouldn't do for them. Bill was a "good man" and will leave all of us with wonderful memories. God be with all of you and give you strength at this time. You are in our prayers.

Rena and Bill

Posted by: Rena & Bill Zatelli at April 11, 2007 02:47 PM

Carolyn, Meghan & Matt,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bill was a great person who was always willing to give a helping hand. We have many fond memories of him making gingerbread houses at Christmas, working with the scouts, and serving as a cook for the Wesley Walkers Relay for Life team. Everyone loved his dump cakes! He will be missed. Take care and if there is anything we can do to help, please don't hesitate to call. In Christian Love, The Spains

Posted by: Becky, Wes, Megan & Daniel Spain at April 10, 2007 10:01 PM

Carolyn & family, I share your loss. Bill and I have known each other since 1957. We worked together for 30 years and I enjoyed it. Bill was very proud of his children and how they turned out. He also remarked Carolyn, how good you were to him and how much he loved each of you. If I can help you give me a call.

Posted by: Larry Merryman at April 10, 2007 01:00 PM