Billy Lynton Rowe

Rowe, Billy Lynton 79, of St. Petersburg, Fl, passed away on July 19, 2008 at St. Anthony's Hospital. Born in Anniston, Ala. on July 31, 1928, he moved to St. Petersburg in 1936 at age 8 from Alabama. He attended local schools graduating from St. Petersburg High School with the class of 1946. He attended the University of Florida where he obtained a degree in business administration and graduated from the University of Florida law school on January 31, 1953. At the University of Florida, he received a varsity letter in track; he was President of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity. Billy loved his Gators. Upon graduation, he served with the Judge Advocate Corp in the U.S. Air Force, with a rank of Captain from 1953-55 in San Antonio, Texas. During this time he met Joann Hunter and they were married on May 15, 1954. Upon leaving the Air Force, they returned to St. Petersburg where he joined the law firm of Mann, Harrison, Stone, Roney, and Mann. This firm ultimately became Greene, Mann, Rowe, Stanton, Mastry, and Burton, the largest law firm in Pinellas County at that time, where he remained until December 1983. In 1984, Billy joined Fowler, White, Gillen, Boggs, Villareal, and Banker, PA where he remained until his retirement in 1999. He then worked as a certified court mediator. Billy was very active in both legal and civic activities. He served on many committees for the St. Petersburg Bar Association including: Executive Committee, co-chairman Bench and Bar, Legislative committee. He also served as co-chairman of the Florida Bar Grievance Committee for the Sixth Judicial Circuit. Billy was very proud to be a member of The Suncoasters and the work they did for the City of St. Petersburg. He was past president of The Suncoasters and a former member of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, Exchange Club, St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, Squires Club, and a member of the charter Board of Trustees of Shorecrest Preparatory School. He further remained very active as a member and past president of the Advisory Board of The Salvation Army, St. Petersburg. While growing up, Billy was a member of Mirror Lake Christian Church. His Christian faith truly defined the man he became. He volunteered to be one of the charter members of Palm Lake Christian Church when it started in 1958. He was a past board chairman and elder and moderator president of Christian Church Disciples of Christ of Florida Inc., and he received the Distinguished Service Recognition, for life time service, presented by the Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Florida. For over 30 years, he taught an adult Sunday school class and served on various church committees sanctuary building committee, finance chairman, chairman of 50th church anniversary committee, etc.. Through his faith he always maintained an optimistic attitude and set a wonderful example for all those he touched. He was the Son of the late Ernest Lynton Rowe and Jimmie Irene Rowe of St. Petersburg. Billy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend and his family was truly the center of his universe. Billy was never seen without a smile on his face and his infectious laugh was his trademark. Mr. Rowe is survived by his wife Joann H. Rowe. Daughter, Debbie Rowe Doug Price of Watkinsville, GA. Son, James Curtis Sue Rowe of St. Petersburg, FL. Grandchildren: Kelly Lynton Marc Mangum, Charlotte, NC, William James Rowe, Tyler Evan Rowe, and Chelsea Marie Rowe, St. Petersburg, FL. Visitation will be at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home, Thursday, 4 to 7 pm. Service, Friday, Palm Lake Christian Church, 5401 22nd Ave. North at 2 pm. Memorials can be made to the Salvation Army or Palm Lake Christian Church, 5401 22nd Ave. N. 33710. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes