Wayne Rowell

Reidsville GA

Wayne Gaston Rowell, Sr., age 78, passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at his residence.  He was born on December 20, 1943, to the late Bennie Gaston and Doris Catherine (Jones) Rowell.  Wayne’s formative years were spent in the Tattnall school system, and he would ultimately graduate from Reidsville High School.  Raised in a generation of hard-working men, he would go on to work with Reidsville Electric straight out of high school before moving on to work at Ft. Stewart.  Following high school, Wayne would also serve in the Georgia National Guard for eight years.  It was during this period in his life that he met the young lady that he knew, instantly, would be the love of his life and wife, Betty Jane Slater.  The couple would go on to work together at Ft. Stewart for a short period of time.  Despite having a rewarding job in civil service at Ft. Stewart, Wayne always had a dream of becoming a Georgia State Trooper.  To pursue this dream, he went to work with GSP as a radio operator in 1968.  After getting his foot in the door, he would go on to graduate from the 35th Trooper School in March of 1970.  After 30 years of dedicated and faithful service to the citizens of the State, he would retire as a Master Trooper in 1998.  Following his retirement, he was able to focus on the “work” that he chose to do.  Mainly this work entailed maintaining the farm, especially nurturing his pecan orchard, which was a source of great pride.  Occasionally in the mix, he would fit in time for hunting and fishing.  Wayne and Betty would also enjoy various locations around the country taking their camper to explore the sights.  Above all else though, he was happiest when he could spend time with his family, especially his grandkids.  The couple’s family values and hard work was built on a strong foundation of faith in God, and they were longtime members of Glennville Freewill Baptist Church-Living Hope in Glennville.  A man that gave selflessly in service to others and exemplified an individual that loved God and his family; Wayne will be dearly missed by all who knew him.  He is preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Michele McClellan.

Left to cherish a lifetime of love and memories is his wife of 59 years, Betty Rowell of Reidsville; one son and daughter-in-law, Gaston and Nicole Rowell of McRae; one daughter and son-in-law Veronica and Lyn Burkhalter of Hoschton GA; a son-in-law, Don McClellan of Silver Creek, MS; seven grandchildren, Mollie and Kenneth Bailey, Randall and Chloe Shoemaker, Reba Burkhalter, Lauren Burkhalter, Caleb Rowell, Nicholas Rowell, and Lance Burkhalter; other relatives, church family, previous co-workers, and countless friends made along life’s journey also survive.

Pallbearers will be Roger Kicklighter, Randall Shoemaker, Kenneth Bailey, Caleb Rowell, Nicholas Rowell, and Lance Burkhalter.

Honorary pallbearers are all active and retired members of the Georgia State Patrol.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, October 14, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the chapel of Low Country Cremation & Burial in Reidsville.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022, beginning at 3:00 p.m. at the chapel of Low Country Cremation & Burial with Rev. Joseph Brock and Rev. Dr. Don McClellan officiating.

Interment will follow at Reidsville City Cemetery.

Low Country Cremation & Burial is serving the Rowell family.