Top Banner for Roger Rowell Obituary
Roger Rowell Obituary

Brought to you by Lewis Funeral Home

Roger Rowell

Milton, FL

April 29, 1954 - April 3, 2019

Roger Rowell Obituary

Roger Glen Rowell, 64, of Berrydale, FL, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, April 3, 2019. Roger was a lifelong native of Berrydale and was the youngest of seven children born to the late Hazel Lewis and John Pasco Rowell on April 29, 1954. He was a graduate of the Jay High School Class of 1972. Roger worked 38 years for the Florida Department of Transportation/Construction, retiring as a project administrator. He was a member of Cora Baptist Church in Jay, Florida, where he served as minister of music. Roger was the heart of his family and was a giant of a man in his community, although he would be embarrassed to know that was said of him. He was humble, unassuming, and had a heart for people. He filled a room without saying a word. He visited people in their most difficult moments and knew when to laugh and joke and when to sit quietly. If he saw a need that wasn’t being met for someone, he just took it upon himself to do it. He appreciated what he had, worked hard to take care of it, and was willing to share it with others. His heart was always open, and so were his hands. Roger enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved being outside, whether it was keeping up his yard, working in his shop, planting or picking his garden, or hosting fish fries for his family and friends. He loved the mountains—the Smokies, the mountains of Alaska, even the hills of Ireland. He loved the Florida State Seminoles, and he loved the sound of bluegrass filling up his truck, his shop, and his home. Roger lived a life filled with music. Serving as a music minister in various community churches for over 35 years, he used the gifts God had given him to point others to Jesus. One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren develop a love for music and hearing them use their talents to praise his Lord. His grandchildren called him Paw Paw, and they were his world. He loved to be at their ball games, recitals, and other special events. He also spent special time with each one of them, speaking into their lives in ways only he could. His simple testimony will live on in his children and grandchildren: Love the Lord, laugh at yourself, serve others, and be careful at the crossroads—all the crossroads of your life. Roger was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Anna Grace McMath; his brother Herbert “Bud” Rowell of Berrydale; his sisters Evelyn (Hub) Jacobs, Jane (Harold) King, and Wanda Roberts, all of Berrydale; and brother-in-law, Stratton Colonna of Florala, AL. Roger leaves behind his loving wife of 45 years, Joy Boothe Rowell; two sons and two daughter-in-laws, Chadwick Glen (Jessica) Rowell of Milton, and Rhett Alexander (Lana) Rowell of Jay; and a daughter and son-in-law, Misty (Joey) McMath of Pace. His memory lives on in his seven beloved grandchildren: Malinda Maesen (Maesey) Rowell and John Pasco (Pasco) Rowell II; Major Alexander and Piper Elizabeth Rowell; and Abriana Joy (Abby), Josiah Luker and Jackson Glen (Jack) McMath. He is also survived by a brother, Frank (Pearl) Rowell of Jay; a sister, Dinah Colonna of Florala, AL; a sister-in-law, Lorrine Rowell of Berrydale; a brother-in-law, A.T. (Buck) Roberts III of Berrydale, and a special cousin, Ben Floyd. Roger also leaves behind in-laws Kenny (Gloria) Boothe of Cantonment, Sylvia (Jerry) Jennings of Cantonment, Betty (Mondal) Miller of Columbia, MS, and Andra (Joe) Mize of Flomaton, AL, and many nephews, nieces, extended family members, and dear friends. All services will be held at Berrydale Baptist Church under the direction of Lewis Funeral Homes. Visitation will be Monday, April 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 9, 2019. Burial will follow in the Berrydale Baptist Church Cemetery. His nephews will serve as active pallbearers. The family wishes to thank all the local emergency personnel and community volunteers, as well as the Cora Baptist church family, who took care of Roger as he was called home. Thank you to family and friends who have prayed, visited, and ministered during this unspeakably difficult time. Great men leave behind great legacies and great voids. Donations may be made to Life Options Clinic (formerly known as the Pregnancy Resource Center of Milton), 5775 Berryhill Road, Milton, FL 32570, or to the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, 1000 Chemstrand Road, Cantonment, FL 32533.

To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Roger Rowell hosted by Lewis Funeral Home.

Events

Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Roger Rowell.