Charles Douglas Lowder

Charles Douglas "Pete" Lowder, 96, of Clemmons, NC passed away after a brief illness and surrounded by his family on March 26, 2025. Mr. Lowder was born December 20, 1928, in Forsyth County, NC to Edgar "Ed" Clarence Lowder and Alice L. Matthews Lowder. His formative years were spent in Clemmons, and at an early age he was instilled the principles of strong faith and work ethic thus becoming the epitome of self-sacrifice and generosity.

In 1951, Charles enlisted in the U.S. Army and trained with the 50th Signal Battalion Corps. He proudly and honorably served in the Korean War with the 24th Army Infantry Division.

He founded Charles D. Lowder, Inc. in 1953 and established a successful site-grading company based on dedicated commitment to his values of trust and quality service. He retired in 2014 at the age of 85.

For leisurely pursuits, Charles was an enthusiastic traveler, a voracious reader, and a bountiful gardener. A lifelong Baptist, he was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church of Winston-Salem.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Mary Ann Bobbitt Lowder, the mother of his children; son, William Todd Lowder; granddaughter, Melissa Gail Lowder; brothers, Clarence Edward "Bill" Lowder, Joe Buck Lowder, and Samuel Lewis Lowder; sisters, Martha Marie Haynes, Peggy Gene Redding, Nancy Mildred McKnight, Jane Katherine Smith, and Carolyn Faye Tate; half-siblings, Alice Virginia Smith, William Anthony "Tony" Lowder, and Kathleen Elizabeth Lowder.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Mary Katherine Sherrill Lowder; sons, Charles Daniel "Danny", and Marvin Eugene "Gene" of Clemmons; stepson, Marcus Kevin Sumner (Shannon) of Nashville, TN; and daughter-in-law, Pamela R. Lowder of Clemmons.

In addition, he is survived by six grandchildren, Lisa Michelle Ashley (Adam), Kristi Danielle Pilkenton (Aaron), Katherine "Katie" Elizabeth Munn (Spencer), Shelby Anne Lowder, Caitlin Nicole Leftwich (Scottie), William Zachary "Zack" Lowder; two step-grandchildren William Blake Ellis (Melynn) and Benjamin "Ben" Philip Ellis; eight great-grandchildren, Dylan Keith (Sydney), Lauren Paige, and Jacob Tyler Ashley; Abigail "Abby" Grace and Stella Kate Pilkenton; Oliver Beasley Munn; Sarah Fayth and Rylynn Elizabeth Leftwich; one step-great-grandchild, Rylie Rae Ellis; one great-great-grandchild Saylor Mae Ashley; sister, Linda Lou Bailey of Lewisville.

A funeral service will be held 2 PM Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel with Pastor Truett Williams Sr. officiating. The service will be livestreamed at www.hayworth-miller.com. A private entombment will occur at the Westlawn Gardens of Memory Mausoleum Chapel in Clemmons at a later date.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to the Missions Ministry, Calvary Baptist Church at 134 S. Peace Haven Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104.