FRANKLIN—Lowry Sinclair passed away on Feb. 22, 2014, while vacationing in Cancun, Mexico. Lowry was born in Franklin, Va., on Dec. 26, 1942. He lived in both Philadelphia, Pa., and Rehobeth Beach, Del.

He graduated from Franklin High School and obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Elon University, where he was class president. While teaching in Hampton, Va., Lowry received his Master’s degree from Hampton University. He spent most of his professional career as a guidance counselor at Philadelphia’s Daniel Boone School, where he retired in 2000.

A counselor of life and mentor to many, he will be remembered for his passionate, caring, and courageous soul.

He was very proud of his association with Elon University, where he created the J. Lowry Sinclair III Endowment to support undergraduate research. His donation supports undergraduate students exploring research projects in the area of social or behavioral sciences, and particularly research associated with the complex issues of sexual orientation. From the time he came out until his death, Lowry was an advocate for equal rights and treatment for all, making him an inspiration to countless others. A guiding influence for many in the Pennsylvania and Delaware LGBT communities, his humor, inspiration, and influence will be sorely missed. His life’s selfless treatment of others, his positive influence on Philadelphia’s youth throughout his career and his most recent work helping others deal with substance abuse, leaves behind a proud legacy.

Lowry was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse L. Sinclair Jr., and Willie Rountree Sinclair.

He is survived by his sister, Victoria Sinclair Cobb and her husband, Colonel William P. Cobb, USAF (Ret), of Pompano Beach, Fla.; his niece, Victoria Cobb Shamy and her husband, Adam, and great-nieces Mackenzie and Zoe, of Tallahassee, Fla.; and his nephew, William P. Cobb Jr., and his wife Pam; and great-niece, Marisa and great-nephew, Nicolas, of Bogota, Colombia.

The celebration of life for Lowry will take place Saturday, March 15 at 2 p.m. at Camp Rehobeth Community Center, 37 Baltimore Ave, Rehobeth Beach.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the J. Lowry Sinclair III ’65 Endowment, University Advancement, Elon University, Campus Box 2600, Elon, NC 27244.