William Bailey Rowden Sr., of Albany, Georgia, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017 at Pruitt Healthcare in Albany. A funeral service will be held for Mr. Rowden on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017 at 1 p.m. at Beattie Road Church of Christ, 1731 Beattie Rd, Albany, GA 31721.
Bob Templin, Bobby Templin, Robin Watson, George Drain, Jerry Weldon and Eddie Garcia will be speaking at the Funeral. The family will receive friends for visitation at 11:30 a.m. prior to the service at 1 p.m.
Bill Rowden, born in Decatur, Alabama went through life with many careers. Following high school Bill served in the U.S. Army. Returning to Decatur, he worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service before moving to Florida where he began a varied and successful career in sales. The citrus industry in Lakeland, Florida; the Playtex Company and later Wolverine Copper tubing all benefitted from Bill’s skills. In 1967, Bill moved his wife, Jane and son, Bill Jr. to Albany, Georgia. He opened “Rowdy’s BBQ” with two locations, one in East and one in West Albany. Later in life, he was the club manager of Sherwood Golf and Country Club in Albany. He was truly a jack of all trades.
In the late 70’s he finally found his calling. Because of his love for the church, South Georgia Missions was established by way of his large involvement with prison ministry. Bill traveled the southeast and raised money to build predominately African American churches in South Georgia. When the money was raised, the minister was hired and the construction and growth began until self-supported. He continued this throughout his life. Many great people and souls were reached in this 40 year endeavor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Ethel Kelly Rowden and his brother, Jimmy Rowden. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sara Jane Andrews Rowden and son, Bill Jr.
