Billy Ray Rowe

CONWAY, NC – Billy Ray Rowe, a devoted family man and hardworking individual, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2023, at the age of 85. Born on January 19, 1938, in Nash County to Addie Lee Matthews Rowe and Walter Eugene Rowe.

Billy dedicated over 40 years of his career as the Shipping Foreman at Severn Peanut Company, where his commitment and expertise were highly valued. He took great pride in his work and was known for his strong work ethic and attention to detail. In his free time, Billy had a deep appreciation for history, particularly Civil War history and the majestic mountains along the parkway. He never shied away from expressing his opinions and loved engaging in conversations. Above all, he adored his grandchildren and found great joy in watching them play sports. He was an avid follower of Fox News and enjoyed the occasional thrill of playing the lottery. Billy’s own military experience included serving at Pearl Harbor Naval Aviation in Hawaii at Hickam Air Field for four years. These experiences instilled in him a sense of duty and patriotism that stayed with him throughout his life.

Billy is now reunited with his beloved wife, Sonja Darnell Rowe, and their son, Billy Forrest Rowe, who preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Addie Lee Rowe and Walter Eugene Rowe, as well as his brothers Bob James Rowe and Tommy Grey Rowe.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons Darrell Rowe and wife Donna of Conway, and Pat Rowe and wife Mary of Conway. He will be lovingly remembered by his two granddaughters, Amanda Ross and husband Wesley of Pendleton and Kristen Rowe and Daniel Curry of Severn, as well as his three grandsons, Matthew Rowe of Greenville, Nathan Rowe and wife Ruthie of Murfreesboro, and Ryan Rowe of Conway. He also leaves behind great-grandsons Brantley Ross and Caden Curry. Billy is survived by his two brothers, Charles Rowe and wife Ann of Henderson and Jimmy Rowe of Henderson, and his four sisters, Evelyn Strickland of Louisburg, JoAnn Rowe of Warrenton, Mary Greene of Spring Hope, and Emma Greene of Freemont.

The family will receive friends at Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel-Murfreesboro in Murfreesboro, NC, on Thursday, July 13, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, and other times at the home. The celebration of life graveside service will take place on Friday, July 14, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Conway Cemetery in Conway, NC, with Reverend Willie McLawhorn officiating.

Billy Ray Rowe will be fondly remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, and his passion for history. May he rest in eternal peace.

Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Rowe family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.