WAYNESBORO– If you ask the people who work at and visit Green Hill Cemetery in Waynesboro about Rodney Lowans you may get some curious looks, but everyone knows “Bill.”
That’s why on Thursday, Aug. 28. the friends and co-workers of Rodney “Bill” Lowans got together at the Green Hill Cemetery office to celebrate the retirement of the man who spent thirty-six years keeping the grounds of the cemetery looking beautiful.
Bill started his career at Green Hill in 1989 when he was hired to mow the grass. From there he would move on to landscaping, help set up the gravesite ceremony seating areas, and even dig the graves. There wasn’t any outdoor job that Bill, who has been a Waynesboro resident since 1974, hadn’t done.
When I asked him what his least favorite part of the job was, he told me, “Working in the winter. I hate working in the cold, especially when digging graves because the ground gets so hard.”
His favorite part of the job? The people he worked with and that feeling was mutual. When his colleagues were asked what their memories of working with Bill was like many shared the same answers.
“He was always early and ready to work.”
“He was reliable, friendly, and always ready to help.”
“Tremendous asset to the cemetery, knows the grounds better than anyone.”
This was sentiment shared by the Green Hill Cemetery superintendent, Todd Dorsett, who described Bill as, “Dependable, early to work, stays late, and takes teasing well.”
There was a lot of love in respect in the small office that was filled with about twenty-five of Bill’s friends and co-workers. There was a food spread of veggies and dip, meatballs, and a meat and cheese tray. There were also tasty treats like cupcakes and a cake for the retiree that simply read, “Congratulations Bill.”
The Green Hill Cemetery President, Frank “Rick” Rock, gave a wonderful speech about Bill’s dedication and value to the company that he served for over three decades. He then presented him with a clock that was adorned with a small dedication plaque.
But that was not all. His co-workers also presented him with a gift. An official Penn State football jacket for a man who loved sports.
But possibly the most moving moment in the ceremony was when Bill was informed that the cemetery would be planting a red maple tree on the grounds in his honor. The ceremony was filled with many fun stories about Bill Lowans, a man who was respected by his peers and liked by all who visited Green Hill Cemetery.
His last day of work was Wednesday, Aug. 27 and when asked what was next for him, he simply said, “enjoy my retirement.”
He has certainly earned that.
