EMPORIA—Lowell James Carrington of Carrington Drive was born December 5, 1920, in Emporia, Va., to Thomas and Lottie Carrington.

He had 13 brothers and sisters — Edward, Virginia, Thomas, Hercules, Napoleon, Lucillie, Constance, Waverly, Mary, Burley, Woodrow, Arnett and Senorita.

Leaving high school at the age of 17, Lowell chose to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force, where he became a rifle marksman. He served his country four years during World War II.

It was during a furloughed leave of absence, a prize resulting from a military shooting competition, that Lowell met his first wife, Gladys, and together they raised six beautiful children.

Throughout his life, Lowell demonstrated many natural talents and gifts. His greatest known skill was that of a self-taught master auto mechanic. Working on cars since the early age of 13, Lowell’s auto repair skills were second to none and known throughout Virginia.

Many individuals and companies sought his repair skills and would drive for miles to get him to assess problems with their cars that perplexed others. He was known as the “Little Beaver,” a nickname he received because of his speed in assessing and repairing automobiles.

Although never having formal musical training, Lowell was blessed with the ability to play five musical instruments and many favorite songs by ear. During his younger years, he even played guitar for a band that performed in the Norfolk area.

Lowell was also a skilled carpenter who built his own home. His working career ended when he became disabled from injuries he received in North Africa during World War II.

Lowell accepted Christ as his personal savior early in life and became an ordained minister in 1977. To some, he was considered a stern man, but was always caring when it came to family and friends.

It was routine for brothers, nephews, brothers-in-law and other relatives to live with him in his one bathroom home, along with his wife and six children. He was a family man and was known for his generosity of opening his home to help others on their transition through life.

There were three women in Lowell’s life for whom he deeply cared for — his first wife of over 60 years Gladys Brown Carrington with whom he had six loving children — Al, Lowell, Russell, Linda, Glenn and Keith.

After Gladys’ passing, Lowell married Helen Wells, with whom he shared three stepsons Kevin, Wayne and Michael. The third woman of significance in Lowell’s life was his daughter, Linda, whom he shared an unparalleled love and devotion.

Linda knew there was never any request that was too great from his one and only daughter; Lowell also had no doubts that she was equally devoted to him.

This honorable man enjoyed a long life full of love and fulfillment and passed peacefully in his sleep on April 7, 2012. Leaving to mourn him are his widow, Helen; one sister Senorita; six children and their spouses; twelve grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; three step sons; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

On Friday the public may view will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. A homegoing service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2012, at First Baptist Church, 318 Hall St., Franklin, Va., with Reverend James Carey delivering the message of comfort; Reverend D. Shawrod Riddick Jr. is pastor.

The interment will take place in Brown’s Family Cemetery. On the day of service, his remains will rest in church for viewing by 9 a.m.

A traditional service with dignity will be conducted by Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home, Inc., 224 S. Main St., Franklin, Va. Please share your condolences with the family at www.wmjohnsonandsons.com