LeRoy Lowery was born in Huntsville, Alabama in 1884 and educated at the Old Central Alabama Academy. He and his wife, Dora Fackler Lowery, were prominent members of the Huntsville community. He ran a pool hall for many years. Besides business success, Mr. Lowery was very engaged in civic life, including helping children in need, and helping the Black community become more successful in business.

LeRoy Lowery, born on November 23, 1884, in Huntsville, Alabama, was the eldest of two sons to Arthur and Polly Echols Lowery. He attended the Old Central Alabama Academy, a Methodist institution formerly located in Huntsville and grew up as a member of Lakeside Methodist Episcopal Church (now Lakeside United Methodist Church), where he once served as treasurer.

In 1917, Mr. Lowery married Dora Fackler, with whom he had four children. Tragically, two of their children died in infancy, leaving them with two surviving children: Joseph, who became a minister, and Doris, who worked as a teacher in the public schools. Joseph E. Lowery became the co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2009.

Mr. Lowery was regarded as a prominent leader and citizen of Huntsville, and his sudden passing at home on Church Street from a heart attack marked the end of a significant chapter in the community. His funeral service was held at Lakeside Methodist Church, where he was an active member.

For nearly fifty years, LeRoy Lowery was a highly respected businessman in Huntsville. He ran a pool hall at 106 Holmes Street, advertised as a place of “Amusement and Recreation” with cigars, tobacco, and cold drinks. His friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere made it a well-regarded establishment.

Beyond business, Lowery was deeply engaged in civic life. He served on the Board of Directors of the Supreme Liberty Life Insurance Company of Chicago, Illinois, for thirty-five years and was the founder of the "Clothe-A-Child" Club, which provided clothing for children in need. He was also on the Board of Directors of the Church Street Community Center, served as a dedicated leader in the local Boy Scout program, and championed the establishment of a Boys Club in Huntsville.

Mr. Lowery was also Secretary of the North Alabama Colored Fair Association (NACFA), which aimed to promote the achievements of the Black community. As noted in an early announcement, the fair—held after the Tennessee Valley Fair from October 14 to 17, 1908—was “an industrial enterprise fostered by our white friends to whom we are grateful” and worked to “raise the standard of excellence and accomplishments among our own people.”

LeRoy Lowery passed away on June 10, 1956, leaving behind his wife, Dora F. Lowery; his son, Rev. J. E. Lowery; his daughter, Doris L. Powell; five grandchildren; and his brother, Richard T. Lowery of Chicago. His legacy lives on through his contributions to Huntsville’s community, business, and civic life.

Arthur Lowery, US Census 1870, Huntsville, AL, Ancestry.com.

LeRoy Echols, 1900 US Census, Huntsville, AL, Ancestry.com.

Polly Echols, US Census 1870, Huntsville, AL, Ancestry.com. 

Arthur Lowery, Alabama, US Select Marriage Index,1816-1942, Madison, AL 1875.

Arthur Lowery, US Census 1870 & 1880, Huntsville, AL, Ancestry.com.

Huntsville Times, Huntsville, AL, Nov 3, 1942.

“Campaign Successful to Reach Those Not Contacted Otherwise,” Huntsville Times, Huntsville, AL, Nov 3, 1943.

Leroy Lowery, Alabama, US Deaths and Burials, 1881-1974, Huntsville, AL, Ancestry.com.

Polly Echols, US Census 1900, Huntsville, AL, Ancestry.com.

Obituary of Leroy Lowery, Huntsville Mirror, Huntsville, AL, June 23, 1956.

“Register’s Sale,” The Huntsville Times, Huntsville, AL, June 18, 1926, Ancestry.com. 

Polly Echols, US Freedman’s Bank Records, 1865-1874, Huntsville, AL.

LeRoy Lowery, US FindaGrave, Huntsville, AL, 1956, Ancestry.com.