Charles Richard Rowell

Charles Richard Rowell, “Ricky” to all who knew him, 79, of Surry, passed away on August 3, 2025, with his family by his side. He was born in Surry, Virginia, the son of the late Richard Francis Rowell and Vella Kincaid Rowell Garrison. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Lois Jean Peck Rowell, who he cherished deeply and had missed every day since she left us in March 2023. Left to carry his memory are his loving sister, Ellen Rowell Martin (Tommy); his devoted daughters, Tracey Rowell Caudill and Angela Rowell Barry (Robert); 6 grandchildren who were the light of his life and whom he adored more than words, Emma Clontz, Hannah Barry, Haley Clontz, Holden Barry, Hayes Barry and Grey Caudill; nieces and nephew, Robin Martin Howorka (Gary), David Martin and Sue Martin Bambery; 3 great nieces and 1 great nephew; many cousins and countless friends.

Ricky was a member of Surry United Methodist Church and had been a faithful Christian serving as a deacon in his church in earlier years and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He spent a number of years in the Army reserves, and if you ever asked him about it, he was very proud of those years and being a veteran of that branch of the military. He was a proud retiree from Smithfield Foods, spending over 50 years in many roles over those years. He was known to be a socialite and life of the party. The number of coworkers who became friends seems endless.

Ricky was a loving and unwavering husband, father, and Pop Pop, always joking and making everyone laugh and feel his love. There was nothing Ricky wouldn’t do for his family and friends. Ricky was a true hero to all who knew him and who knew of his battle with kidney disease and diabetes. You would often find him in the yard or his shop “tinkering” on one of his lawn mowers or tillers, working on a project for Lois Jean or a friend, or on the golf course with his golfing buddies of many years.

While the family is deeply saddened to lose their dad and Pop Pop, they find peace in knowing that he is once again with his beloved wife, their mom and MeeMee, who undoubtedly was standing at the gates of heaven to welcome him home. Ricky was a bright light who lit up any room he entered, never met a stranger, and stole the hearts of all who met and knew him. He will be greatly missed by so many. The family will receive guests Friday, August 8 from 6pm to 7pm and funeral services will be held Saturday, August 9 at 2pm, both of which will be at Littles Funeral Home in Smithfield, Virigina. A graveside service will immediately follow at The Old Brick Church Cemetery in Bacons Castle. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the National Kidney Foundation in his memory.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com