Lowell Randolph “Randy” Lowrey graduated from Dublin High School in 2000. During his time at DHS, he earned credits through work-study. “When I was in my last few years of school, I worked for my dad building houses,” he said. “I’ve done everything from pouring the pad for a building, all the way up through remodeling.”
After he graduated, Lowrey continued working for his father for a couple of years, then decided to branch out and try other jobs. He worked at various restaurants and businesses in the area.
One of his favorite jobs was at the movie theater in Burleson. He sold tickets and worked as a janitor there. “I was working at the Hollywood Theater, which is now known as the AMC,” he said.
Recently, Lowrey has found a job he loves even more.
Last year around Thanksgiving, he got a job working at Oma Leen’s, an upscale restaurant in Hico. He serves as the head dishwasher there. The restaurant has had some celebrity customers, and Lowrey enjoys the atmosphere and spending time with his coworkers.
“We even did a deal on NBC News where they came in and filmed the chefs doing their jobs and stuff like that, and talking to the owners about how they got started,” he said.
An average day’s work ebbs and flows depending on the customers. “In the mornings it’s kind of slow,” he said. “But we do have our busy spurts. At night is when we really get busy, especially on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.”
Lowrey plans to keep working at Oma Leen’s for the foreseeable future. “It’s close to home and I get paid very well,” he said. “And you know, they treat you good and I enjoy it.”
Unfortunately last week, Lowrey broke his leg while roller skating, so he’s currently taking a few weeks off to recover. He plans to be back at the restaurant as soon as he can stand and walk comfortably.
When he’s not working, Lowrey enjoys skating, hanging out at Game and Movie Traders, a shop in Stephenville featuring games and skateboarding accessories, and playing Dungeons & Dragons with his friends.
He also loves spending time with his family. His oldest daughter Angel is 18, and will graduate from Dublin High School this year. His younger daughter Gracie is 14 and attends Stephenville High School.
Lowrey currently lives near his parents Ron and Linda Lowrey in the Clairette community in Erath County. His father still runs his construction business.
Throughout his life, Lowrey has found inspiration in his grandparents, Mary and Lowell Lowrey. “They taught me right from wrong and taught me how to treat people right,” he said.
At times Lowrey has struggled in life because he was born with a mental disability. “It’s more challenging to learn things, and people look down on me because of it,” he said. “That’s been one of my major challenges.”
Despite his challenges, he’s been able to find a rewarding job, a loving family, and friends to spend time with. His advice to Dublin graduates is to stay true to themselves. “Be yourself and follow your dreams,” he said.
Editor’s Note: This column chronicles what Dublin graduates have done since high school. If you have any suggestions for other grads, email publisher@ dublincitizen. com.