Robert Lee Rowe, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his famly on March 18, 2018. Born on Dec. 27, 1925 to Ruby and Robert Rowe, he lived his whole life in Jacksonville, FL. Mr. Rowe was predeceased by his parents and sister, Betty Rowe Maness. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jennie Braddock Rowe, his children R. Lee Rowe, III (Vicki), Julia R. Lawless (Andrew), Thomas B. Rowe (Jan), seven grandchildren — A. McCully Lawless, Jr.; T. Braddock Rowe, Jr.; J. Christina Lawless; R. Stokes Rowe; J. Caroline Rowe; J. Anderson Rowe; and Robert L. Rowe, IV — brother-in -law Thomas H. Braddock, Jr. (Mary) and numerous nieces and nephews.
After Mr. Rowe graduated early from Andrew Jackson High School, he enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and served in World War II as part of a flight crew patrolling the Pacific Northwest. Upon returning from the war, Mr. Rowe graduated from Stetson University with a BA in 1949, and then continued his education at Stetson University College of Law, earning his law degree in 1951. A member of the Florida Bar Association for more than 50 years, Mr. Rowe practiced law in Jacksonville as a member of several firms before forming Rowe and Rowe, P.A. Early in his career, Mr. Rowe was sworn in to practice law before the Supreme Court of the United States. He thoroughly enjoyed his professional career and used it as an opportunity to help others, which was central to his core beliefs.
Mr. Rowe’s Christian faith was the guiding force throughout his life. He was an active member of Main Street Baptist Church during the first half of his life. In 1976, he departed from Main Street to help form a new church on Jacksonville’s Southside, Deermeadows Baptist Church. He and his wife held its first meeting in their home. He was heavily involved in all facets of the church’s birth and growth. At both churches he served faithfully on many committees, frequently as chairman. Mr. Rowe taught Sunday school for more than 50 years and served as a deacon or deacon emeritus for more than six decades.
Because Mr. Rowe was civic-minded, he spent many hours volunteering in the Jacksonville community. He was a member of the Civitan Club, provided legal assistance to Safe Harbor Haven, and was instrumental in the formation of Baptist Towers, a facility offering affordable housing for the elderly, serving on its board for more than two decades. Mr. Rowe was also a member of the Board of Directors of Baptist Health and Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville for 50 years, serving as chairman, in other officer positions and chairing numerous committees, helping to guide the hospital and health system through many changes. During his tenure on the board, he was involved in Baptist Health’s outreach program with Baptist Hospital in Asuncion, Paraguay, guiding their leadership in establishing a Board of Directors and instructing them in the tenets of hospital governance for more than 10 years.
Mr. Rowe was the quintessential Southern gentleman, admired by all who knew him. He loved his family and his church. His humble and selfless demeanor served him well as he devoted his life to others. Mr. Rowe will be remembered as a kind, gentle, loving husband, father, and grandfather who was always positive and touched the lives of many people. He was adored by his family and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Mr. Rowe’s Life will be on Saturday, March 31, 2018, 11am, Deermeadows Baptist Church. Memorials in Mr. Rowe’s memory may be directed to the Robert and Jennie Rowe Endowed Fund at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, 800 Prudential Dr, Jax, FL 32207, or Deermeadows Baptist Church, 9780 Baymeadows Rd, Jax, FL 32256.
Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com
HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.
