Laurence P. Ferree Jr.

Ralph Rowell, 90, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Monday, December 1, 2025, at his residence.

Graveside services will be held 11 AM, Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the Evergreen Cemetery, in Fitzgerald, Georgia, with the Rev. Steve Hand officiating. A Eulogy will be given by Anna Daniels. The family will receive friends at the Paulk Funeral Home in Fitzgerald, Georgia, from 10 AM until the service hour.

Mr. Rowell was born March 6, 1935, in Fitzgerald, Georgia, to the late Earnest and Pauline Barnes Rowell. He graduated from Fitzgerald High School in 1954 and proudly served in the National Guard during the Civil Rights movement. Mr. Rowell began his painting career when he was 16 years old alongside is father, Earnest Rowell. Through the years Mr. Rowell has painted numerous buildings and houses throughout the community. He was an avid fan of the Purple Hurricanes, the Atlanta Braves, University of Georgia football and the Atlanta Falcons. He also loved to watch Westerns on tv and was well known for his famous peanut brittle. Mr. Rowell was a member of the Fitzgerald Church of the Nazarene.

He is survived by his daughter, DeDee & Gene Arnold of Ocilla; grandchildren; Laura & Mitch Cooper of Fitzgerald, Matt & Marissa Seagroves of Lebanon, Tennessee, Anna Daniels of Athens, Tate & Kristy Arnold of Ocilla and Gene & Jennifer Arnold of Tifton; great grandchildren: Wilson Cooper, Landon Cooper, Preston Rowell Cooper, Ella Seagroves, Jett Seagroves, Morgan Arnold, Nathan Arnold, Marlie Arnold, Gabe Arnold, Bryce Clements and Emma Grace Clements; and a special cousin, Marlene Cromer. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Evelyn Barrentine Rowell and an infant brother.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude’s Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.