Jimmie Byron Rowe

Funeral Services for Mr. Jimmie Bryon Rowe, 82 of Old Center, Texas will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 9, 2010 at Hawthorn Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Old Center Cemetery under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home. Family visitation will be Friday, October 8, 2010 from 6–8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Rowe died Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at his home in Old Center. Mr. Jimmie Byron Rowe was born December 22, 1927 in Old Center, Texas to the marriage of Henry H. and Fanny Oates Rowe. He graduated from Tenaha High School and studied at Panola Junior College and Northwestern University of Shreveport. He served his country in the United States Army. Bryon later married Camille Walker on January 8, 1954 in Shreveport, Louisiana and celebrated 56 years and 8 months together. Mr. Rowe worked for BF Goodrich after moving to Shreveport and built his career as a business man working in automotive sales, real estate, and rental companies. In the early 1970’s, Mr. Rowe organized and produced an event at the Municipal Auditorium in Shreveport honoring Pappy Covington, the veteran country western music promoter, and launched the ArkLaTex Hayride. After returning to Texas in 1986, Mr. Rowe became involved with community organizations, serving on the Cemetery Board of Old Center Baptist Church. He was the founder and president of the Old Center Water Supply, the community owned water company, providing water to the residents of Old Center. In his retirement, he continued to work in entrepreneurial efforts around the Carthage and Marshall area. His desire to serve the community, lead him to campaign for the office of Panola County Commissioner. He was a member of Kelley Memorial Baptist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, later becoming a member of the Old Center Baptist Church and The Family Worship Center in Carthage, Texas. Mr. Rowe was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2004 and was cared for by his wife, Camille in their home until he passed away. Mr. Rowe is survived by his wife, Camille Rowe of Old Center; daughters, Jeaneann Ferguson, Pam Galloway and husband Robert and Donna Thompson and husband Rob; grandchildren, Leighanna and Colin Cumbie, Adam Galloway, Andy Galloway, Matthew Thompson, Luke Thompson, Amy and Greg Ross; great grandchildren, Carter and Coleman Ross; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends. The Family requests that memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s association. Serving as pallbearers are Adam Galloway, Andy Galloway, Luke Thompson, Matt Thompson, Greg Ross and Colin Cumbie. An online guestbook may be signed at www.hawthornfuneralhome.com

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Jimmie Byron Rowe

December 22, 1927 - October 6, 2010