Fred “Freddy” Lee Rowe, Jr., age 75, of Conover, NC, passed away from this life and was received by his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 following complications from a heart attack. Born April 4, 1946 to Floray Wilson Rowe and Fred Lee Rowe Sr., Freddy grew up in Conover, NC. Following his graduation from Bunker Hill High School, he opened his own tile company. Freddy was drafted into the United States Army in 1968 and was awarded the National Defense Service and Rifle Sharpshooter medals prior to his honorable discharge in 1970. Freddy resumed his career in the tile industry and retired in 2007 after 43 years of service.
Freddy lived life wide open and was often the biggest and brightest presence in the room. He pursued his interests with zest and entertained others with engaging tales of his vast and varied adventures, including raising and showing American quarter horses, volunteering with church youth and youth sports, motocross races with his son, visiting the Cayman Islands, fishing and Harley trips with friends, working NASCAR events, raising ostriches and chickens, swinging on the front porch, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He made a mean beer can chicken and loved cooking for others. Freddy was past Chairman of the local American Quarter Horse Association and a vocal member of the National Rifle Association. He loved freedom, his country, and his family.
Freddy gave his life to the Lord in 1980 and rededicated himself in 2019.
Freddy is survived by his wife of 41 years, Joanna Abernathy Rowe; five children Freddy Lee Rowe III, Jaymie Lyn Rowe and spouse Centrail Linebarger, Jeremy Lance Petty and spouse Sherri Spencer, William Jason Petty and spouse Dani, and Lori Ann Benfield; eight grandchildren Ty, Taylor, Grayson, Ashton, CJ, Alayah, Jordan, and Steele; sister Lyn Rowe Connolly and spouse Johnny; and niece Leigh Anna Barlow. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A service to celebrate Freddy’s life will be held on Friday June 4, 2021 at 3:30 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home in Newton, with Dennis Haas officiating. The family will receive visitation immediately following the ceremony. A private burial service will take place at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Special thanks to Steve McCLellan and Penland Funeral Home.
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