Richard Lowder

Richard David Lowder of Lexington, NC, peacefully passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2025, surrounded by his devoted wife, loving children and family.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm Tuesday, December 23 at First Baptist Church, by the Rev. Dr. Ray Howell III. A private inurnment will be held in the church columbarium.

The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.

He was born on August 10, 1935, to Davidson Monroe Lowder and Ella Hicks Lowder in Thomasville, NC. He grew up alongside two brothers and a sister and developed early a love for learning, athletics, and service.

Richard was a 1953 graduate of Fair Grove High School, where he was student body president and active in football, basketball, and baseball. He continued his education at Wingate University on a basketball scholarship, graduating in 1955. While at Wingate, Richard was nominated for the prestigious Morehead Scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—his second nomination, following an earlier nomination while at Fair Grove High School. He advanced to the finals and received a partial scholarship to attend UNC–Chapel Hill, where he studied from 1955 to 1956. Richard finished his education at Appalachian State University.

During his time at Wingate, Richard had the good fortune of meeting the love of his life, Ferry Lane Austin. The couple married in 1956 and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and community. They were blessed with, and proudly raised, five children.

Richard began his professional career as an agent with Southern Life Insurance Company, where he worked for three years. In 1958, he was transferred to Charlotte, NC, where he became a salesman for State Farm Insurance. In 1963, Richard was transferred to Lexington, NC, where he continued his career as a State Farm agent and remained active in the profession for many years, receiving many accolades and awards over his professional lifetime. Later in life, Richard provided a transportation service to meet the medical needs of nursing home patients and disabled residents of Davidson County.

Richard and his family joined First Baptist Church in Lexington, where faith and service became central to his life. A devoted member since 1963, Richard served the church in numerous capacities. He taught Sunday School for 30 years, served as a deacon, and held various leadership and service roles throughout his decades of involvement including serving as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 229.

Richard was deeply committed to civic service. He was an active member of the Jaycees, where he served as secretary and later as president. In 1969, he joined the Kiwanis Club, where he was elected secretary, later served as president for one year, and eventually became a lieutenant governor within the organization. During this time, he also served as president of the local Red Cross, reflecting his lifelong dedication to helping others and strengthening his community.

Richard’s legacy is one of devotion, encouragement, and boundless love. Above all, his greatest joy was his family. Richard doted on his beloved wife, Ferry Lane, ensuring she lived the life she dreamed of—well cared for and surrounded by love. As a father, he encouraged his children in academics, sports, and music, always cheering them on with pride and guiding them with steady support. As a grandfather, Richard delighted in spoiling his grandchildren with trips to the candy store and celebrating their milestones. He never failed to ask after all of his family, extending his kindness to his daughters-in-law with genuine interest in their lives and loved ones. 

Richard will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him, but most especially by his wife, Ferry Lane; his children, Richard David Lowder II of Winston-Salem, Jeffrey Mark (Suzanne) Lowder of Advance, Britt Lane Gordon of Burlington, and Peter Austin (Amy) Lowder of Charlotte. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Kelly Elizabeth Lowder. He also leaves behind grandchildren, Tripp (Allie) and Trace Gordon; Emma Rose, Peter Bennett, and Charles Austin Lowder; and Summer Lane Lowder; and great-grandchild, Chip Gordon. Also left to cherish his memory are Suzanne Lowder’s children, Andrew Vinson, Collin Vinson and Bryant and McKenzie Vinson and their son Miles.

The family wishes to express its gratitude to the staff and nurses of WellCare Home Health, Hospice of Davidson County, and Nanette Beck for their dedicated care during this time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Davidson County, First Baptist Church of Lexington, NC, or Easterseals in honor of Richard Lowder.