Robert A. Rowan

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Obituary to Honor ROBERT A. ROWAN

Robert Alvin Rowan was born November 17, 1935 on a farm in rural southern Georgia. He died on August 10, 2021 in Athens Georgia, where he had moved to be close to his son. Everything in between these two days constitutes the “Stuff of Dreams!”

Bobby, as he was known by his family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances and various political leaders, was a man among men. He lived multiple lives with various re-incarnations during his 85 years on earth. As a young man in 4-H he began to develop his aptitude for speech early, going on to become an excellent debater during his college years at UGA. Further honing his skills as an orator, Bobby began his long-lasting political career, winning his bid for a seat in the Georgia senate in 1962 at the ripe old age of 27. As a senator, Bobby was well-known for his ability to ride the middle of a difficult debate by using quick wit and carefully crafted humor; skills he never lost.

After losing the race for Governor of Georgia in 1972, Bobby returned to his roots in rural Enigma, GA.  In the following decade, Bobby devoted his time to raising his two children, Ferris Marie and Robert Edward, while being the co-owner of a local business with his brother-in-law Sonny Mathis. He often shared his expertise with various Georgia political figures including a candidate for the US Presidency, whom Bobby thought would surely lose. He was ecstatic when he learned he was wrong.

Recognizing that he made his living by talking, Bobby again threw his proverbial hat into the political ring and was elected to the Public Service Commission of Ga in 1985. After six years of leading the commission, Bobby retired from political life as a candidate and moved into the realm of consulting and lobbying for various causes he deemed honorable.

This busy life would be ambitious enough for most people. But Bobby wasn’t most people. During his years as a consultant and lobbyist, Bobby loved to travel, both domestic and internationally.  He worked to build a collaboration between Georgia poultry producers and the Cuban government, which allowed him to visit Cuba multiple times, even when it was more restricted for most Americans. Other travel destinations included Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Mexico, Trinidad, Jamaica, Canada, Costa Rica, China, Hawaii, and his beloved Thermopolis, Wy. Bobby loved sharing his passion for travel with his children and grandchildren, almost always inviting one or more of them to join him.

Bobby survived his lovely wives. He met his first wife, Amelia McMillan Rowan, during her beauty pageant competition near his hometown. He often remarked she should have won! They were soon blessed with their two children. His second love was Barbara Pickard Rowan. He and Barbara shared many happy years together raising animals on their hobby farm and traveling to many distant destinations.

Bobby set an intention to live life to the fullest until the day he died. He fulfilled this intention in a huge way, living independently until passing three weeks after leaving his longtime home of Enigma. Bobby leaves a legacy almost as large as his life.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, James Alvin Rowan and Lois Amanda Vickers Rowan; and four siblings: Tom Rowan, Charles Rowan, Venton Rowan, and Oweida Ivemeyer.

Bobby is survived by his two children Edward (Laura) Rowan and Ferris (Adeeb) Fakhoury; eight grandchildren: Jacob, Caleb, Amelia, Seth, Andrew, Sofia, Drake and Emma; one great-grandchild who carries his name, Emmanuel Robert Murphy; and four siblings: Reba Johnson, Joyce Mathis, Diana Bigler, and Randy Rowan; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The life of Bobby Rowan will be remembered and celebrated at a future time. The event details will be announced later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family asks all to honor Bobby with a donation to: Extra Special People, 189 VFW Drive, Watkinsville, GA 30677 or at espyouandme.org .

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com