Kenneth Lee "Kenny" Rowell, Jr.

PEACHLAND – On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Mr. Kenneth Lee “Kenny” Rowell, Jr., 53, passed away peacefully at Novant Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte with his beloved wife at his bedside.

Funeral services will be 3:00 PM, Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Peachland Gospel Tabernacle with Rev. Lynn Garris officiating. Interment will follow in Peachland Cemetery.

The family will greet friends Saturday, March 23, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM at Leavitt Funeral Home and other times at the home of his mother-in-law.

Kenny was born August 31, 1971, in Union County, NC and was a son of the late Kenneth Lee Rowell and the late Nancy Joyce Cordell Rowell. He was a graduate of Hanau American High School in Germany.

He worked with the North Carolina Department of Corrections, having served as a correctional officer at Brown Creek Correctional Institute and Union Correctional Institute and was a Sargeant at Anson Correctional. He retired in 2018 due to medical issues.

Kenny was extremely patriotic and loved to be active in the community. He never met a stranger and had no problem striking up a conversation with anyone who would take time to listen. He was a proud member of the Peachland Town Council, a job he took seriously, hoping to make a difference for the citizens of Peachland.

He was a member of Peachland Gospel Tabernacle, where he dearly loved his church family.

He had a smile that could light up a room and a quirky sense of humor that could make anyone laugh, even on a bad day. He was a true and loyal friend. He always offered a listening ear to those who might need encouragement. He never hesitated to speak his mind and be an advocate for the underdog. Nothing made him happier than a good cup of coffee along with great conversation with family and friends. When he loved you, you truly felt loved. He will always be remembered for the compassion he showed others.

Kenny was the best husband and his memory will be cherished by his wife of 28 years on June 21, Lori Newton Rowell; his mother-in-law, Marlene Newton (Roger) of Peachland; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ashley and Justin Huntley of Peachland; his nieces and nephew, Kacey Huntley, Bailey Huntley and Jackson Huntley all of Peachland; his aunts, Patty Benton (Rick), Linda Williams, and Peggy Cordell; his cousins and their families and many dear friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Tammy Rowell Crneckiy (2011), and by his uncles and aunt, Jimmy Rowell (2020), Bill Cordell (2012) and Peggy Cordell Parker (2017).

He was a simple man and just wanted to live his life being happy. He was loved and will be missed by his family and friends. No one will miss him more than his wife. The sudden loss of Kenny has certainly caused devastation and left a hole in her heart that he and his love could fill. It is hard to forget someone who gave everyone so much to remember. His beloved chihuahua, Cricket will be laid to rest with him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Leavitt Funeral Home, P.O. Box 274, Wadesboro, NC 28170 to assist with funeral expenses.

The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com