BAXLEY — Rev. Emory Carlton Rowell, 81, made the move to occupy his Heavenly home on Sunday morning, May 7, 2023.
Rowell was born November 4, 1941 in Brantley County to William Tollie Rowell and Sarah Jane Davis Rowell. He was seventh in line of nine children.
Raised in a Christian home, he and his five brothers (Alvin, Vestus, J.W., Doyle, Ronnie) and three sisters (Winna Lee Rowell Miller, Karris Rowell York, Glenda Rowell Lee) grew up depending on the Lord and knowing the importance of serving Him, giving Him honor and worshipping Him.
Saved at the age of 10, Rowell knew in his heart he was called to preach. He dedicated his life to the Lord and preached his first sermon at the age of 17 at Emerson Park Baptist Church in Waycross. Early in his ministry he pastored Homestead Evangelistic Church, Axson Evangelist Church, Liberty Wesleyan Church in Wayne County and Bethlehem Wesleyan Church in Wayne County.
Before retiring in July 2021 because of health issues, Rev. Rowell had pastored Surrency Community Bible Church for 48 years. Along with the many duties and responsibilities of being a pastor, he also served two terms as Mayor of Surrency and was instrumental in bringing many improvements to the small southern town. He also worked at Finkelstein's Gifts & Jewelry for many years.
Sharing his love for the Lord, Carl traveled many miles singing of God's love with a gospel quartet. One of the original members of The Southerners, he has many friends and supporters throughout the region.
As part of his ministry Rev. Rowell and his wife, Cathy, led the music ministry for many years at the Okefenokee Camp Meeting in Waycross, the Wesleyan Camp Meeting in Hortense, and the Gaskin Springs Camp Meeting in Douglas.
While physically able, he thoroughly enjoyed fishing. It allowed him time to communicate with the Lord and nature and bring home food for the table. Each time Rev. Rowell drove by a pond or lake, he would have the urge to stop and throw a line in the water. Even lying in bed after his strokes he talked about wanting to go fishing.
Rev. Rowell is survived by his wife of 45 1/2 years, Cathy Clary Rowell; three sons, Tony (Selena), Andy, and Paul (Dana); seven grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; two great-great grandsons; and one great-great granddaughter; a sister, Winna Lee Rowell Miller of Hortense and three sisters-in-law, Louise Rowell of Blackshear, Betty Rowell of Albany and Carol Clary of Bonaire also survive.
A funeral service was held Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home in Baxley with Rev. Tommy Daniels and Rev. Rick Brown officiating.
Interment followed at Twin Rivers Baptist Church Cemetery in Hortense.
Pallbearers were Tollie Rowell, Derek Griffis, Michael Newsome, Caleb Rowell, Adam Wamsley, Aaron Hall, Kameron Williams and Douglas Cottrell.
Honorary pallbearers were members of Woodlawn Baptist Church and Surrency Community Bible Church and the staff of Community Hospice of Vidalia.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home in Baxley.
