Ernest “Lowell” Croom, 86, passed away Sunday, August 20, 2023, in Tallahassee, Florida. Lowell was born in Marianna, Florida on Valentine’s Day 1937 to Ernest Lee Croom and Myrtle Gause Croom (Sapp). After losing his dad in WWII, his mother married Troy Sapp, who served as a father figure until his death in 1991.
Lowell was a graduate of Marianna High School (1955), Chipola Junior College (1957) and Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in meteorology (1960).
Lowell began his career as a Meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Savannah, GA after graduation from FSU in 1960. He attended the First Freewill Baptist Church where he met his first wife, Betty. While working for the NWS, he also served in the US Army Reserves. In 1965, they moved to Macon, GA where their daughter Amy was born in 1966. In 1973, he moved back to Marianna and served as a property appraiser for the Department of Revenue for nearly 30 years.
Church was an integral part of Lowell’s life. He served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher/mentor, and loved singing in the choir and quartet. Through his involvement in the church, he met his wife, Sue Waller Stewart, and they were married in 1982.
Early in his life, he loved photography, but later became an expert wood craftsman and made children’s toys for his and Sue’s side business, Croom Crafts. They spent many years traveling to various festivals throughout the region, bringing delight to many children.
He also loved his grandchildren very much. He and Sue spent countless hours entertaining them and lavishing them with bags of Christmas gifts throughout the years. He was a gentle giant and will be greatly missed.
Lowell was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Croom, as well as his parents Ernest Croom and Myrtle Sapp, and his stepfather Troy Sapp.
He is survived by his daughter, Amy Croom Johnson (husband Troy), Tallahassee, FL, and stepdaughter, Tracy Stewart (husband, Bill Leamons) Austin, TX; and six grandchildren: Trey Johnson, Walker Johnson and Ashley Johnson, Jackson Dampier, Max Dampier and Bennett Dampier.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM CDT on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Marianna, FL. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. The family will receive friends at 9:00 AM, Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the church prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church music department or charity of your choice in his name.
The family would like to express their warmest gratitude for the exceptional care given to Lowell over the years by Julie Smith, APRN and Dr. Steven W. Spence.
