Mr. Lonnie "Clarence" Towe

Lonnie Clarence Towe was born March 7, 1944, to Clarence Stephen and Irene Haynes Towe. He was the brother of the late Teresa Towe Keese. Clarence loved his family, his friends, his plants, and the students of Oconee County. He is survived by spouse of 56 years, Louise Lee Towe, his children, Jarrett Lee and Sarah Ross Towe, and grandchildren, Jarrett Ross Towe and Alex Leigh Towe, all of Easley, SC. After graduating in the class of 1962 from Walhalla High School, he graduated from Anderson College, East Tennessee State University, Western Carolina University, and in 1990 earned a PHD from Clemson University. His career with the School District of Oconee County included being a teacher, principal, Attendance Supervisor, Director of Federal Programs, and was an Assistant Superintendent of Education when he retired in 2002. Driving the roads on treacherous winter mornings to determine the safety for Oconee's school children was something that he considered to be one of the most important aspects of his job. "In the Mountains we Forget to Count the Days" was his mantra while trout fishing, looking for native azaleas, or simply hiking with friends. In 2004 he authored "American Azaleas" (Timber Press). In 2006, he was the keynote speaker at the International Rhododendron Society Meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland. A photo of his hybridized "White Lightning" native azalea was featured on the cover of the Winter 1994 American Rhododendron Society Journal. His fascination with wood led him to teach himself to turn bowls that were freely given to friends and family. His artistic flair led him to design and build the family home which has been the site of many joyous family activities for 53 years. Among his favorite family times were the many beach vacations enjoyed by the entire extended family during which his favorite activity was snapping photos rather than being on the beach. Clarence was raised in the Baptist Church and was a past member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church where he served as treasurer and Scenic Heights Baptist Church. He stayed very interested in the lives of former students and family members, keeping up with their educational successes. Surviving him are extended family members: the Crawford Keese family, and Kenneth, Judy, Jeff, Sherri, Steve, Lisa, Chris, Sheila, Chad, Christi, Mackenzie, Palmer, Jon, Ella Gray, Maclaine, James, Dustin, Cadence, Hunter, and he was looking forward to meeting Adeline. Clarence was diagnosed with Lymphoma, on March 7, his 81st birthday. He was predeceased by in-laws Ervin and Pauline R. Lee, Judy, Edward, Bobby, Rachel, Bill, Jim, Matthew and Leon. He is greatly missed. Following Clarence’s wishes, no formal services will be held. In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Clarence's memory to WHS FFA Horticulture Dept Jennifer Crawford 4701 N. Highway 11 Walhalla, SC 29691 Condolences can be sent to PO Box 212, Walhalla, SC 29691 or on line at Davenport's.

Mr. Lonnie "Clarence" Towe

March 7, 1944 - May 30, 2025