William Auley Rowell

William Auley Rowell, 83, entered peacefully into the presence of the Lord on Wednesday morning, April 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Auley was a sixth-generation Taylor Countian and lifelong resident of Shady Grove.
He was a devoted member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon.
Auley graduated from Taylor County High School and the University of Florida Forest Ranger School.
With a heart for service, Auley dedicated himself to improving his community and state.
He was a respected expert on local history and the people of Taylor County.
He began his career as a forester with Weaver Loughridge Lumber Company later acquired by Procter & Gamble (Buckeye Cellulose). Auley retired from P&G after 30 years of loyal service.
His leadership extended beyond his career. Auley was appointed by three Florida governors (Reubin Askew, Bob Graham and Jeb Bush) to several boards and commissions, beginning with his appointment to the original Suwannee River Water Management District Governing Board, where he served with distinction for 14 years, including seven as chairman.
His dedication also reached other organizations, including the Florida Farm Bureau, Florida Forestry Association, Taylor County Soil and Water Conservation District, Kiwanis Club, Taylor County Vision 2060 Task Force and the Taylor County Historical Society, where he generously shared his knowledge, time and leadership.
A lifelong outdoorsman, Auley knew the Taylor County landscape like the back of his hand.
He played an instrumental role in the development of local roadways, bridges and access points to the county's natural resources and the conservation of those resources for future generations to enjoy.
On his family farm in Shady Grove, he raised cattle and worked to preserve the traditions of rural living. He founded and hosted an annual Old-Fashioned Day where he shared time-honored skills such as cane grinding, syrup and sausage making and operating his historic grist mill and farm implements.
Though his accomplishments were many, Auley's greatest devotion was always to the Lord and his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Hilton Rowell and Virginia Edith (Tedder) Rowell, and a sister, Florrie Burroughs.
He is survived by: the love of his life and devoted wife of 63 years, Patricia Ann Ezell Rowell; his children, Darla Zorn (Marty), of Knoxville, TN., Auley Keith Rowell (Kim) and William Brent Rowell (Traci), both of Shady Grove; and his cherished grandchildren, Katy, Summer and Kendall Rowell (Tallahassee), William and Samuel Zorn (Knoxville), Jesse Lewis (Tiffany) of Perry, Crystal Knight of Cleveland, OH, and Ayana Cruce and Jalyn Sheppard of Perry; and great-grandchildren, Landon Lewis, Chase Knight and Casten Cruce.
He is also survived by his sister, Sara Nell Grubbs; brothers, Dale, Walter and Randy Rowell; and many cherished nephews, nieces and cousins.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Auley's life at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 8985 Alton Wentworth Road, Greenville, on Saturday, May 3, at 11 a.m. Prior to the service, visitation will take place at the church starting at 10 a.m.
The family kindly invites friends and loved ones to share their memories of Mr. Auley Rowell by sending them to AuleyRowellmemories@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers donations, in Auley's memory may be made to the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 249, Greenville, FL 32331.
All arrangements are under the directions of Burns Funeral Home of Perry.