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Obituary For Woodrow Lowe
Woodrow Lowe, 71, passed on Thursday, November 6, 2025 in Collierville, TN.
Funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon EST on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Franchise Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Raymond Cochran, pastor, and Rev. J.C. Fryer, officiating. Burial to follow at Green Acres Cemetery. There is no public viewing.
Woodrow Lowe’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, coach, teammate, and man of faith whose strength, humility, and kindness continue to inspire all who knew him.
Born on June 9, 1954, in Columbus, GA, Woodrow was the son of the late James Lowe, Sr. and the late Mrs. Betty Lowe. He grew up in Phenix City, AL, where he began playing football at the age of ten. At Central High School, he was a standout player, team captain, and senior class president, early signs of the leadership and determination that would define his life.
Woodrow Lowe lived a life grounded in faith, family, and purpose. Known affectionately as “Woody” and "Pokey", he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He believed that success began with humility and hard work, he lived those values every day.
Woodrow loved spending time with his family, sharing meals, watching movies, and of course, cheering for football. His grandchildren adored him, not only for his stories of the game but for the wisdom he shared. He encouraged them to give their best in everything they did, often reminding them, “With each practice, you’ll get better and better.” His quiet strength, gentle spirit, and deep faith made him a steady presence to those he loved most.
In 1972, Woodrow enrolled at the University of Alabama, where he became an immediate standout under legendary coach, Paul “Bear” Bryant. A three-time All-American and team captain, he helped lead the Crimson Tide to four SEC titles and a national championship in 1973. Drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 1976, Woodrow went on to play 11 seasons in the NFL, earning a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable linebackers and serving as team captain for seven years. After retiring, he turned his attention to coaching, teaching, and mentoring the next generation of players at the high school, college, and professional levels, including roles with the Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He later returned to his alma mater, Central High School, as head coach, leading the program with distinction and heart.
In recognition of his excellence on and off the field, Woodrow was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, the College Football Hall of Fame, and both the Sugar Bowl and Senior Bowl Halls of Fame.
Woodrow Lowe, 71, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Collierville, TN. He was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Dr. James Lowe, Jr.; his sister, Helen K. Lowe Thibedeaux; and his loving parents.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 51 years, Linda; his children, Woodrow (Zaneta) Lowe, Jr. of Collierville, TN, Briana (Clayton) Lowe Wellman of Gaithersburg, MD, Adrienne (Kris) Lowe Stallworth of Montgomery, AL, and Benjamin Lowe of Tuscaloosa, AL; three siblings, the Honorable Mayor Eddie (Deborah) Lowe, Betty Lowe, and Elizabeth Fontenette, all of Phenix City, AL; an uncle, David Lowe of Atlanta, GA; eight grandchildren, Woodrow, III, Kyle, and Wade Lowe of Collierville, TN; Ava, Aria, and Alyza Wellman of Gaithersburg, MD; and Kristian and Noah Stallworth of Montgomery, AL; four sisters-in-law, Deborah Willson, Kathy (Roderick) McKinney of Birmingham, AL, Anne Reynolds Lowe of Madison, AL, and Josalyn McCall of Atlanta, GA; two brothers-in-law, Wilbert (Connie) Wilson of Birmingham, AL and Michael Thibodeaux of Columbus, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly.
Woodrow Lowe’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, coach, teammate, and man of faith whose strength, humility, and kindness continue to inspire all who knew him.
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AMBER TAYLOR sent Peace Lily for Woodrow Lowe - November 13, 2025
Jonathan Wallace sent Red and White Handled Basket for Woodrow Lowe - November 12, 2025
Mildred Williams sent Stately Croton for Woodrow Lowe - November 12, 2025
Condolences to you and your family. Coach Lowe touch my life in a way many may or may not understand. My child played for him at Smiths Station High School 2006-2009. His dedication and infectious life for God and people help my child grow as a student and a man. I will be forever grateful for the time he spent with my child. Rest well!!!
My condolences to the family of Woodrow Lowe. May God shower you with strength, peace, and comfort every minute of every day as you navigate this difficult time. Hold on to your good memories. Woodrow was a kind person and a groundbreaker for our time. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." Maretta (Arnold) Franklin, CHS class of 1972
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Celebrating the life of a remarkable man, a great coach, teammate, and athlete. May the Lord give you comfort and peace during your time of loss. Homer Davis Jr. & Family
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He was my best friend in high school.we had a lot of good times on the football field . I will miss you pokie.love you brother
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May God bless, comfort and give His peace to the Lowe Family during this difficult time!
My love, thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences to the Lowe family.
The Central High School Class of 1972 extend our heartfelt condolences in the passing of our classmate Woodrow "Pokey" Lowe. May God grant you peace and His abiding presence according to 2 Corinthians 5:8.
May the Peace of God strengthen your family daily!!
Classmate (1972)🙏🙏🙏
I am so honored to call this man a friend. He was the most humble person I have ever met. Always had a smile for you, my kids really looked up to him. You will be missed Coach. Me and my family love you and what you represented!
Condolences 🙏 to the Family, Praying for Strength & Healing. RIH my SGHS teammate U were a Warrior..God Bless - Shug Barnett
Our deepest and sincere condolences to the Lowe family. Prayers for God's peace and strength during this time. Sincerely, Herman/Regina Mitchell and Family!
My condolences to the family. Woodrow (Pokey) was a trailblazer who made Phenix City and the surrounding area proud. Linwood Moore CHS Class 1971
It is with heartfelt condolences to The Lowe family and friends, pray for peace and understandings.
Peace is a reward of faith. Woody is at peace, family, let not your faith waver and the Lord will grant peace to you at times like this. Condolences Bernard & Alisa Cliatt
Our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the family, grew up together and knew him and his family as peaceful members of the community who will never be forgotten 🙏 ❤️
My condolences to the family.
🌹The Central High School Class of "73" shares in your sorrow and remembers Woodrow fondly. Sending our heartfelt condolences❤️
We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Woodrow Lowe. We pray the God of peace wrap his arms around you all and give you strength and comfort! Sincerely, Mrs. Sarah Miller and Valerie Miller (GMZ).
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths." Heartfelt condolences to the family of our friend and classmate, Pokey.
So sorry for your loss, may God give each of you peace, comfort, and strength during this most difficult time. With deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy & many prayers. 🇺🇸🐘🐘🐘❤️❤️❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🌹🌹
It was such an honor to meet him and be around him when was the coach at Smiths Station. He was a great man, funny at times and his words of discipline still are in me today. RIP Coach Lowe, and Condolences to the Lowe family.
Condolences to the family of a good man. High school teammates and friends. Thank you for the memories, Pokey!
Dear Lowe Family, My heart goes out to you during this time of profound loss. Woodrow Lowe's legacy as a devoted family member, mentor, and pillar of the community will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. His kindness, strength, and unwavering dedication touched countless lives, and his memory will forever be cherished.
Watched Woody at Alabama and with the Chargers when I was a kid, then met him as an NFL scout when he was the pro liaison at UAB. Later, had the honor of putting him in the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame when I was the director there. In every situation, he combined his common sense, honesty, humility and consistency to be such a first-class person. Heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him.
My sincerest condolences to Eddie and the entire Lowe family!🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
🙏 for The Lowe Family during this difficult time. I worked with James at Chavala and Woodrow at Russell County High. Roll Tide.
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Ben Lowe is one of my oldest and most genuine friends. Ben was there for me when my mother passed. I respect his family so much, mainly through Ben's character.. Through that I know he was taught how to be a good human. As usual, the credit goes to the elders and the ones who raised us. Long Live Woodrow Lowe and Roll Tide.
The Lowe family has meant so much to Phenix City and the people of our community. Woodrow was a vital part of this family legacy and his memory will live on for years to come. May God bless and comfort the entire Lowe family. RIP Woodrow.
I keep telling myself, Pokey is only asleep and while that is True', I pray for All of my cousins in this time of sorrow.. May Jehovah God give strength to us All in Jesus Name to say goodbye for a little while. Love 🙏❤️⬆️
Extending peace et heavenly comfort during your time of bereavement.
My prayers, love, and respect extended to the Lowe family. I remember my son telling me a lot of the advice Coach Lowe gave him when he was head coach at Smiths Station. He fought the good fight (in football & life) and now he has finished the course. REST on, the final reward has been achieved.
Teams mate at central high school just a great player and person may God bless the Lowe family
Sending our condolences & prayers
I pray for God's Comforting Loving for the Lowe Family
To the Lowes Family, you have our sincere condolences. We pray that God gives you comfort and peace. The Arnold Family
My Drarest Freind..Will be missed dearly..We all loved Pokey...
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My Condolences to the Lowe family
To the Lowe Family, it is with deep sorrow to hear about Woodrow . Please accept my family condolences. We all grew up on the back road together. He was such an amazing person. May God keep you all in his loving arms as you all go through this time of breavment. 🙏🏾❤️ Christine, Sam, Toney and Gerald Curtis ( Flag Street)
Judy F I extend to you and your family my heartfelt condolences for the passing of your brother. I'm praying for you! Always Marynell 🙏🏾💜
Sending prayers and condolences to the Lowe family
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Bro Lowe will miss you my Bro. Love always praying for your family . May Allah grant you peace my bro. Love you always bro michaelCalhoun
God bless you all and Praying for the Family.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
