Joe Dean Lowery, age 75, of Forest City, passed away Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at his residence.

Joe was born Saturday, September 28, 1946 in Rutherford County to the late Paul and Lona Toms Lowery. He served honorably in the U.S. Army and the National Guard for sixteen years. Joe worked for PPG for over twenty years and was of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed fishing and coaching youth softball teams. Joe's crowning achievement was serving as the Chief of the Rutherford County Traffic Control since 1988.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Johnny and Robert Lowery and stepsons, Jimmy Wells, Tim Wells and Bobby Todd Wells.

Left to cherish fond memories are his loving wife of thirty-eight years, Joyce Lowery; daughter, Kathy Greene (Keith) of Ellenboro; sons, Mark Lowery (Carol) and Paul Lowery (Kim) all of Forest City; stepdaughters, Tammy McMahan (Kenny) of Ellenboro, Kim Lee (Don) of Forest City and a brother, Ray Lowery (Glenda) of Lattimore; nine grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Allen Terry and Reverend Greg Shell officiating. Interment will follow in Spindale Cemetery with military honors being accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.

Memorial donations are requested to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com