John Harry Rowley

FRANKLIN - John Harry Rowley, 74, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2020.

Born in Pearisburg, Virginia, he was the son of the late Robert Deane Rowley Sr. and Alyce Wilson Rowley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Deane Rowley Jr. 

John was raised in the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania area and graduated from St. Vincent College Preparatory School in 1963 where he was the perennial president of his class and captain of the football team. He then attended Georgia Institute of Technology graduating in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. While at Georgia Tech he was president of the Alpha Tau chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity and a Distinguish Military Student in the U.S. Army ROTC program receiving a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduation. 

John was highly decorated for his meritorious military service as an artillery officer (Forward Observer/Fire Base Commander) in Vietnam in 1969/70. John returned to Atlanta to attend Georgia State University where he earned his MBA in 1972, which prepared him for a successful career in banking. In the mid 1990s he moved to Franklin and ultimately traded his indoor banking job for the wonderful outdoors of western North Carolina by working 15 or so years at Wildcat Cliffs County Club. He was a member of the turf crew while also keeping the golf course equipment in good operating condition.

He is survived by his wife, Alice Doherty Rowley of Franklin; one daughter, Hannah Eckard (Joel) of Conover, North Carolina; one brother, Jim Rowley (Mary Shea) of Atlanta, Georgia, and numerous nieces and nephews. John was loved by all who were blessed to know him.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.