THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, January 25, 1997 TAG: 9701250230
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: 32 lines
William H. Lower died Jan. 23, 1997.
Born in Elkins, W.Va., Bill Lower decided at age 16 to join the Navy. The instructor at Naval Boot Camp felt Bill lied about his age and tried to break him. He wanted Bill to give up, for his time would come soon enough as many brave men were dying in World War II. His will strong, he changed from a young boy to a man ready to serve his country. He served 21 years before retiring. During that time he met a beautiful woman named Marie Joyce Cannon. They fell deeply in love and were married Dec. 29, 1949. After 43 years of marital bliss, Marie succumbed to lung cancer and left for a better place. During their marriage they raised three children, Karen L. Cooper, Dennis R. Lower, David K. Lower. He is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Lindy Lower; two grandchildren, Teresa Lower and Brian Nighswonger; and a great-grandchild, Cody Hourigan.
After his Naval career, Bill went to work at the Naval Air Rework Facility as a rigger and retired from civil service June 3, 1986.
If the measure of a man is decided by how they love and provide for their families, then he is surely one of the all time greats. He dedicated his life to his family until the end. He will be missed but not forgotten, for his memory will always be in our hearts. As a young sailor he learned to love the Navy with a passion. With his passage, his soul will rise to be with his wife and his ashes spread at sea with a Naval salute that he so well deserves.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today in Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Indian River Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Disabled American Veterans.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY