Robert Rowell

Former Spartanburg Mayor Robert "Bob" Grady Rowell, 83, of Spartanburg, SC, died Tuesday, August 30, 2016, at Spartanburg Medical Center. Born December 6, 1932, in Branford, FL, he was the son of the late Paul Kistler Rowell and Eileen Peterson Rowell. A U. S. Army veteran, Mr. Rowell was a graduate of the University of Florida. He was an extremely dedicated member of Central United Methodist Church in Spartanburg, serving numerous positions including the Finance Committee, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and most recently the Stephen Ministry. He was also a former member of numerous organizations including the Spartanburg Rotary Club and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. He was an accomplished longtime public servant as Mayor, County Council Chair, and Public Service Commissioner. He was instrumental in negotiating new management agreements for the Memorial Auditorium, the downtown Memorial Airport, the renovation and repurposing of Evans Jr. High School, and the downtown location of the new Public Library. Mr. Rowell also served with James Talley and other local leaders to attract BMW to Spartanburg County. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Edith Gorlick Rowell; children, Craig G. Rowell (Beverly) of Chesterfield, VA, Christopher P. Rowell (Charles Perkins) of Chicago, IL, and Calla R. Snow (Eric) of Boiling Springs, SC; grandchildren, Colin Rowell, Corbin Rowell, Victoria Snow, and Erica Snow; brother, Paul Rowell of Madison, FL; sister, Helen Lee of Brevard, NC; stepsister, Benita Staveley of Spartanburg, SC; and stepbrother, Eugene Davis of Madison, FL. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM Friday, September 2, 2016, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 3, 2016, at Central United Methodist Church, by the Rev. Dr. Tom H. Norrell. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Memorials may be made to Stephen Ministry at Central United Methodist Church, 233 N. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29306; or Habitat for Humanity, 2270 South Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert "Bob" Grady Rowell please visit our Sympathy Store.