Rex Rupert Rowell, Jr., 85, was born to Nannie Bell and Rex Rupert Rowell, Sr. on May 11, 1928, in Opp, Ala. His family relocated to Panama City during World War II. Rex attended Bay High School, and was selected for the accelerated program at P. K. Yonge, at the University of Florida, later transferring to Auburn University.
Having always loved flying, he was accepted into the U.S. Navy flight school, becoming a Corsair pilot.
After his service in the Navy he lived in Jacksonville, Fla., before returning with his family to Panama City in 1965, where he was affiliated with Harrison Motor Company automobile dealership, which later became Kendrick-Rowell Oldsmobile-Buick.
In Panama City, he was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, serving as a member of the choir for 45 years. His community service included membership in the Downtown Kiwanis Club and the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, having held various leadership positions in both organizations.
Rex passed away on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, at home surrounded by family. He will always be remembered as a true Christian, Southern gentleman.
Rex is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Nancy, and his sister, June Harrison (Jerry). Surviving children are daughter, Susan R. Cook of Navarre; son, Roth Rowell (Cylle) of Panama City; and daughter, Nan Mann (Gary) of Longwood. He was the proud grandfather of Stephanie Cook, Katie Rowell, Tricia Wise, Hunter Rowell, and Lee Mann, and five great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Panama City. The family expresses sincere gratitude to longtime family physician, Dr. Sidney A. Daffin III, his staff, and to caregiver, Maureen McBride.
A memorial service and celebration of Rex's life will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, at 2 p.m. with Dr. Richard Watson and Rev. Bob Hayes officiating. A reception provided by the Women of the Church will be held following the service in the Lauren Merriam Room.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Susan, Roth and Nan,
Rex was an honorable, loving and fun loving man with joy in his heart. He was family and we are truly thankful for the time we had with him. Love you all, Billy and Debbie Taylor
Billy and Debbie Taylor
December 23, 2014
I recently came across the obituary of Mr. Rowell and wanted to offer my sincerest condolences. You may not remember me but my sister, brother and I have such fond memories of your entire family. My mother and father were Bob and Barbara (Wilkins) Lamb from Coral Gables, Florida. We spent many happy times on Palmarito Street where my Grandparents lived (Ralph and Margaret Wilkins) visiting you while you were down visiting and stopping by to see you all inJacksonville. I will always remember Mr. Rowell as a sweet, kind and warmhearted man. Please know that we are thinking of you.
October 5, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time.
With love,
Kathy, Doug, and Kristi
Kathleen Hemphill Fontaine
January 4, 2014
To all of the Rowell Family - Our sincere condolences on your loss. We have warm memories of Mr. Rowell as a kind, loving husband and father who always welcomed friends into his home. We know he has been welcomed now into his Heavenly Home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy Williams Mangieri, Marie Williams Halvatzis, and Ray Williams
Kathy Williams Mangieri
January 3, 2014
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your dear love one. The God of comfort promises to "without fail show you favor at the sound of your outcry; as soon as he hears it he will actually answer you" (Isaiah 30:19)May your prayers strengthen and comfort you.
January 1, 2014
To all of the Rowell family. Rex was a wonderful man, father and husband to a wonderful family and all of his friends, neighbors and customers. Thank you for being our friends.
The Fleming family; George and Kim Fleming, Maxie Fleming Hecht and David Hecht
December 31, 2013
Dear Rowells,
We are awash with the warm, loving memories that are made over a life time of being part of an extended family. Rex's warm, loving way, peppered with a kind sense of humor, will always be a part of our lives.
With our deepest sympathy,
Billy and Debbie Taylor
December 30, 2013
To Roth and the entire Rowell family, my heartful thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God comfort you in your loss.
Ralph McElreath
December 29, 2013
So sorry to hear. Your family is in my thoughts an prayers.
Joy Skelton
December 29, 2013
Mr. Rowell,
You were a true gentleman, loving father, and husband. Thank you for the exemplary life you led.
My love and prayers go out all the family..
Andy Namynanik
December 28, 2013
I can proudly say that I worked for and with Rex for over 20 years, and he was one of the finest men I have ever known. Rex was kind, compassionate, caring, and always treated his employees as family. He will be greatly missed. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family.
Chris Hollaway
December 28, 2013
It was an honor and a privilege to work for and with this amazing gentleman. His strong faith and complete love for his wife and children was to be admired. So very many of us will be forever blessed for having known him. He will truly
be missed.
Maureen McBride
December 27, 2013
It was an honor and a privilege to work for and with this amazing gentleman. His strong faith and complete love for his wife and children was to be admired. So very many of us will be forever blessed for having known him. He will truly
be missed.
Maureen McBride
December 27, 2013
I know I am speaking for all of the Allen's when I say Rex was one in a million. He was one of those people that you instantly liked as soon as you met him. That warm smile just made you smile back. He was smart, kind, generous, handsome, funny, (and need I say the smartest dresser on the planet)....exactly the kind of man that anyone would be proud to call their dad or husband. We think the world of this man and of the entire Rowell family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, John, Betty, John III, Donna, & Barbara
Donna Allen
December 27, 2013
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Funeral services provided by:
Wilson Funeral Home - Panama City214 Airport Road, Panama City, FL 32405
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more