Retired Bartow Educator Killed In Emerson In Two-Vehicle Crash

CARTERSVILLE, GA — A much-loved retired Bartow County educator was killed Tuesday in a two-vehicle accident in Emerson.

Ralph Lowe, 80, died Tuesday morning after his pickup truck left the road on Ga. 293 south of Alatoona Road, then spun back onto the road into the path of an oncoming van, according to the Emerson Police as reported by WBHF Community The van driver was taken to Cartersville Medical Center with minor injuries.

Over a 30-year career that began before desegregation, Lowe taught at schools in both the Cartersville and Bartow County school systems, according to a 2019 profile in The Daily Tribune News. Lowe was also principal at the school now known as Hamilton Crossing Elementary from 1979 to 1985, and at Mission Road Elementary from 1985 to 1994.

“What I find interesting about Mr. Lowe is that I can’t go anywhere without someone knowing who he is, and the great influence and impact he has on many family and friends,” said Valerie Coleman, curator of the Noble Hill-Wheeler Memorial Center, a museum located in what was once a schoolhouse for Black children.

Condolences poured in on social media:

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.

Read Lowe's profile in The Daily Tribune News.