Terrell Lowdermilk's Obituary
Terrell Clayton Lowdermilk, 36, of Chattanooga, passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, due to a hit-and-run accident. Terrell was a bright light in the lives of everyone who knew him. He was kindhearted, forgiving, and always ready with a smile that could brighten any room. His sense of humor kept those around him laughing, and his loving spirit touched family and friends alike.
A proud graduate of Ooltewah High School, Terrell never missed a single day of school from 1st through 12th grade. He went on to study at Cleveland State Community College and Chattanooga State. Later, he attended Miller-Motte College in Chattanooga, where he earned his commercial truck driver’s license. Truck driving became his passion—it allowed him to see much of the United States, something he cherished deeply. He was even preparing to get his passport so he could begin traveling the world with his mother.
Terrell faced many challenges in life with courage and perseverance. Having struggled with weight as a child, he was finally able to undergo weight-loss surgery as an adult, a milestone that brought him immense joy and new confidence. He often spoke of his dream to own his own truck and start his own trucking business—a dream he was actively working toward.
Family meant everything to Terrell. He spoke with his mother, Cynthia Hayes, every day, always checking on her health and well-being. He often told her that she deserved to rest, after all the sacrifices she made for him and his brother. He wanted to take care of her the way she took care of them. His grandmother, Gloria Hayes, was another pillar of his life—his source of comfort, counsel, faith, and prayer. His grandfather, the late Clayton Hayes, taught him to stand tall, fight for justice, and never back down when something wasn’t right.
Terrell loved his father, Terence Lowdermilk, his brother, Terence C. Lowdermilk, and his uncles deeply. His brother was his lifelong protector and best friend—the two always looking out for one another in the truest bond of brotherhood. His lifelong friend Corey Lewis, whom he loved like another brother, will miss him dearly.
Though Terrell’s life was cut tragically short, his legacy of love, laughter, determination, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
He is survived by his mother, Cynthia Hayes; grandmother, Gloria Hayes; father, Terence Lowdermilk; brother, Terence C. Lowdermilk; uncles, Sean Lowdermilk Smith, Demsy Willingham, and Sam Petty; and his close friend, Corey Lewis. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clayton Hayes and Norman "Shirley" Smith.
Terrell will forever be remembered as a son, brother, grandson, cousin, friend, and light to everyone he touched.
Terrell will lie-in-state on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 9 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel with Elder Walter Lee Mayweather as the Eulogist. Burial in Highland Memorial Gardens.
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