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John Tillman Rowe

July 11, 1926 ~ February 15, 2017

John Tillman Rowe, age 90, passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2017. Born in Craven County, NC on July 11, 1926, he was the son of the late Benjamin Riley and Lucy Lewis Rowe. John leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 69 years Alice Scott Rowe, sons, John T. Rowe Jr. and wife Debra of Raleigh, NC, Michael B. Rowe of Hendersonville, NC, David L. Rowe and wife Amanda of Brevard, NC, and daughter, Beth R. Hassell and husband, Stuart, of Newport, NC. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren. John Served his Country in the US Navy in WWII. He served North Carolina for 36 years in the Highway Patrol, retiring as a 1st Sgt. Armament officer. During retirement he was a highly skilled gunsmith. John Rowe volunteered to serve in the US Navy when he graduated from Rocky Mount High School in 1944. He served on the USS Birmingham in WWII in the Pacific theatre. In his early years of service in the NC Highway Patrol, in addition to normal trooper duties he served as official photographer. He excelled as a marksman, winning many local and regional shooting matches. Near the end of his career, he established and operated the first statewide armory for the Highway Patrol, training new recruits in proper firearm procedures and providing gunsmith services. During retirement he continued working privately as a gunsmith, staying busy simply by satisfied customers telling friends about his high quality work.” A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2017 at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home Cremation Services. Burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service. Visitation Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services 661 English Rd Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> (252) 937-8886 --> | Sunday 2/19, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Service Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801 Location Not Available Sunday 2/19, 3:00 pm

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  1. Beth, We are sorry to learn of your loss. May happy memories sustain you & God flood you with blessings. Love, Craig & Carol Cannon

  2. You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you be encouraged by Gods Word and His presence . Love to all, Jessie and Clell

  3. A true leader-a man among men, quick-witted and sarcastic, but with a twinkle in his eye when he made you feel like he knew everything YOU didnt, if John had lived to be 200 years old, he would never have been able to share all his knowledge and wisdom….in a time when heroes are impossible to find, upright, moral, right to the point, very matter-of-fact about all things, John Rowe was a hero of mine. If I could have pointed to anyone and said, Hes a good guy-put a white hat on him, he wont let you down., that would have been John. He guided me through a 20 year career in law enforcement…he was an usher in my wedding….he was my gunsmith, my confidant, and my friend. There will never be another John…. Rest in peace, old friend. You touched many lives in your time here, you made a difference, and you will never be forgotten. Ken Johnson


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