Maurice Broaddus Rowe III

Maurice Broaddus Rowe III, 92, of Richmond, VA, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2014. Mr. Rowe is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce McKissick Rowe, his two children, Caroline (Kevin Sweeney) and Maurice B. Rowe IV, and his three grandsons, Coleman (Kate), Christopher and Jarrett Sweeney. He was preceded in death by his parents Dorothy and Maurice Rowe, Jr., and his two siblings Peyton Rowe and Dorothy Castles.

Born and raised in Fredericksburg, VA, Mr. Rowe spent his early years at Brompton where his family owned a dairy and livestock farm. He graduated from James Monroe High School in 1941, and then went on to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Mr. Rowe participated in the Cadet Corps at VPI until 1943 when his education was interrupted to enter military service. He returned to VPI in 1947 and graduated with a B.S. in Agricultural Education in 1948.

Mr. Rowe served in the Fifth Infantry Division, Third Army, European Theater of Operations, during World War II from 1943 to 1946. He was decorated with various commendations for his service.

After graduating from VPI, he joined the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Commerce in 1948 and served in several responsible capacities before being appointed Commissioner by Governor Harrison in 1965. He has the distinction of being the first VDAC career employee to be appointed to that position. During his career as Commissioner he served as an officer at a number of affiliated organizations on both the State and national level.

Mr. Rowe continued his career in State government and was appointed to the Governor's cabinet in 1972 as the first Secretary of Commerce and Resources. He was appointed and served in the Governor's cabinet for Governor Holton, Governor Godwin, and Governor Dalton. He served in various key positions for five Virginia Governors.

He also served as president of several organizations on both the State and national level. He received numerous awards and other recognitions from organizations of his State and nation to include “Public Business Administrator of the Year” by the Virginia Chapter of the American Society of Public Business Administrators in 1974.

Mr. Rowe retired in 1983 after 35 years in State government, but continued his public service throughout retirement. Mr. Rowe was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Richmond since 1966 and served as President of the club from 1975-76. He served on the Keep Virginia Beautiful Board of Directors since the late 60’s and as President of the Board from 1994-2009. He has the distinction of being the longest serving board member in KVB’s 61 year history.

Mr. Rowe served for several decades as a member of the State Fair of Virginia Board of Directors and eventually as Chairman of the Board. He was instrumental in the organization’s restructuring from the Atlantic Rural Exposition, Inc. to the State Fair of Virginia, Inc.

Maurice was a faithful and involved member of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church. He joined the church in 1956 and was ordained and installed as an Elder in 1964 and from that point served as an Elder six times. He also served as President of the Men of the Church, Trustee and on the Capital Improvement Committee.

Maurice was the epitome of a true “Virginia Gentlemen”, he never looked for personal glory or recognition. The demeanor in which he lived and the positive impact he had on the countless numbers of friends and associates throughout his professional career will forever continue his legacy.

As a husband, father and grandfather, he was devoted to his family and encouraged those close to him to be their best. He led by example and had a positive impact on all who knew him. “Papaw” never missed an opportunity to laugh, joke and have fun. We feel truly blessed to have had him in our lives. He was loved and will be greatly missed.

Funeral service will be held at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church (4401 Forest Hill Avenue Richmond, VA 23225) on Monday, December 1, 2014 at 11 am. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service at 10 am. Interment will follow at 12:30 pm at Westhampton Memorial Park (10000 Patterson Avenue Richmond, VA 23238). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Forest Hill Presbyterian Church.