Arlington Lee Rowell, 80, passed away on March 17, 2018. Born in Greenville, MS to the late A. Quinn Rowell and the late Francis Shephard Rowell, Lee was the second of three sons. His older brother, Quinn Rowell preceded him in death. Lee is survived by his wife of 30 years, Patricia Rowell; his brother, Chuck (Kitty) Rowell and a cousin Edward Lee (Shirley) Rowell. Lee will continue to live in the hearts of his three daughters and their families: Heather (Neal) Fontana, and their sons, Devin, Justin and Ethan Fontana; daughter, Robin Henry and her children, Kristen (Tony) Demma, Tyler Henry and Lauren Henry; and daughter Shannon (Mark) Vianello and their children, John, Nicole and Christine Vianello.
Lee loved education. He graduated from Leland High School in Mississippi before attending Sewanee University in TN, Mississippi State College, Stetson University, the University of Mississippi, and the University of Southern Mississippi. Lee earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D. in the field of education. After serving our country in the United States Air Force including service in Viet Nam, Lee had a varied and successful career in education with many institutions including Stetson University, Drury College, Marion County Public Schools and Orange County Public Schools.
Throughout his lifetime, Lee loved sports including golf, tennis, basketball, baseball and football. He also was an avid hunter and fisherman. A true renaissance man, Lee loved the beauty of music and worked diligently to train his powerful baritone voice. Always the adventurer, Lee enjoyed traveling and never met a stranger. He was a Rotarian and believed in service to mankind. He also was a natural leader to men and had a special charisma that charmed everyone he met. Lee will always be remembered as a Southern gentleman that believed “we can make a positive impact on life of every person we meet.” He had a personal relationship with his Lord Jesus Christ and is now at peace in his arms.
Lee’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Palm Harbor United Methodist Church in Palm Harbor, FL on Thursday, March 22nd at 10 am with a lunch served afterwards. At a later date, his ashes will be interred at the Greenville Cemetery in Greenville, MS.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in Lee’s name to the educational institution of your choice.
Please sign his guestbook below.
Patricia, we are so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and sending our prayers for your comfort.
Patricia, Gloria and I are so so sorry for your loss. You are a Saint as you took such good care of Lee. Thanks for bringing him home to Leland a few years ago to visit with his high school classmates. I really enjoyed visiting with the both of you. May God bless you and all of Lee’s family! R.I.P. my friend….
I have missed my sweet friend over the past few months. He is at peace with his maker.
Dear Patricia,
You and your family are in our prayers. Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your other half. He was indeed a southern gentleman who smile and twinkle in his eyes I shall never forget.
Love
Mary
Dr. Rowell
My sincere condolences on the loss of Lee. I always enjoyed talking with him when he came into the office at Tri-C. Such a gentleman. May all of your fond memories help you and his family through this difficult time.
With sincere sympathy
Joy
Dear Patricia,
Al and I are very sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Patricia, very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Marilyn Ryan
What a beautiful obituary and indeed he was a true southern gentleman loved meeting him early on at the Community party years ago you were always wonderful to attend every party we ever had and be wonderful guests and friends. I will miss him as well as you Patricia in the neighborhood. Love you always Martha
To Patricia and daughters of Lee,
Thank you for sharing such a true Christian man. His rememberance is a true testimony to the life of Lee. I will always cherish the time I spent with him in his summer home. To his loved ones, I will keep you in my prayers as you adjust to the loss of your husband and father. May the journey be blessed with joyous memories.
Lee was a loyal friend and a dynamic individual. We think of him as a member of our family. Lee was a southern gentleman, a man’s man and always a ladies man. He dearly loved Patricia, his daughters, grandchildren and his friends. He was an intellectual who also knew how to have fun. One of our best memories of Lee was the time he took us shrimping at night. Lee enjoyed good food and was an outstanding cook. We will dearly miss his beautiful baritone voice, his laugh and his handsome smile.
To Heather, Robin, Shannon and Nancy, Katherine and I are truly sorry for your loss. You were by far the best neighbors we ever had. Our prayers are with you all, and we love you all.
Heather, so sorry to learn of your loss. Remember you have only lost someone if you don’t know where they are at. You and your family have alot of wonderful memories to enjoy. Prayers are sent..
Patricia, so very sorry for you loss. Will keep you in my prayers.
Dr. Rowell,
When I think of Lee, Southern Gentleman is the first thing that comes to mind. His kindness and charismatic approach to life will be missed by all.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Elovia
May God bless you and your Family.
You are missed .