R. David Rowe

R. David Rowe, 78, of Valdosta, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025 at his home. Born on March 7, 1946, in Tifton to the late Bruce Rowe and Rachael Grantham Rowe, he moved to Valdosta when he was 9 years old and went to Valdosta City Schools. David graduated in 1967, and soon after started working at the Valdosta Fire Department. He worked there for 41 years until his retirement as a Lieutenant in 2010. He was a faithful, devoted member of Morningside Baptist Church for over 30 years. David’s favorite pastime was being outdoors, deer hunting, and fishing. His family was his treasure, spending time at sporting events for his children and grandchildren. Often sharing a meal and a good story, David loved joking around and playing pranks on his coworkers, friends, and family. He was always positive but would also “tell it straight.”

David is survived by his wife of 58 years, Vivian Rowe, of Valdosta; his daughters, Kimberly and Shane Dular, of Myrtle Beach, SC, Misti Rowe, of Valdosta, Robin and Greg Gay, of Valdosta; his grandchildren, Dawson (& Alex) Dular, of Wilmington, NC, Riley Dular, of Conway, SC, Dominique Jefferson, of Valdosta, Faith Jefferson, of Valdosta, Cayden Gay, of Valdosta, and Caylee Gay, of Valdosta. Also surviving is his brother-in-law, Alan Carter, of Valdosta, special friend, Patty Jefferson, of Valdosta, brothers-in-law David Carter, of Lake Point, Utah, Jim and Dee Carter of Longview TX, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary McClellan and Evelyn Walker, and brother J.B. Rowe. 

A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Morningside Baptist Church with Mr. Tom Rodgers and Dr. Wayne Robertson officiating. Burial will follow at Good Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5-7pm at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Morningside Baptist Church Building Fund, 425 Connell Road, Valdosta, GA 31602. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home