Edward Lee Rowsey, Jr.

Video Memorial TributeEdward Lee Rowsey, Jr., age 72, husband of Kathleen Rowsey, passed away Saturday evening, January 18, 2014 at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, TN. The funeral service for Mr. Rowsey will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2014, in Wells Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Ed Woodall and Reverend Ed Temple presiding. Interment will follow in Pisgah United Methodist Cemetery, Eureka Rd., Courtland, MS. Those men honored to serve as pallbearers include: Robert Earl Upchurch, Carl Ray Upchurch, Robert Lee Seay, Matt Downs, Zane Hale and Billy Williams. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home. Lee was born in Panola County, Mississippi on March 19, 1941 to Martha Todd Smith Rowsey and the Late Edward Lee Rowsey, Sr. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Batesville. In the 1960's, Mr. Rowsey began working as a Lumber Grader for Martin Lumber Company in Gilmer, TX and in 1966, he was drafted into the military. Lee served his country in the United States Army until 1972. While in the service, he was 1 of 7 men out of 217 given MOS'S for Artilleryman. He was trained to fire short barrel cannons used especially for firing shells at high angle of elevation to reach targets behind cover, in trenches, etc. They used these cannons to fight enemies along Ho'Chi'Mihn' Trail. In 1967, Lee went to fight in War Zone C during the Vietnam Era. He was awarded National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/Device "V", Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star. Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/service, 2 O/S Bars and Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14). Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Memphis and worked for Memphis Hardwood Flooring. Then, in the mid 70's he moved to Batesville and began a career working for the Corps of Engineers at Sardis Dam. Upon his retirement, in 2004, he had worked his way up to a Supervisory Park Ranger for the Corps. Eventhough Mr. Lee retired, he never stopped working. Anyone who knew him, knew he was accustomed to hard work throughtout his entire life. Whether it be tending cows or working in the hay fields, Mr. Rowsey enjoyed the outdoors while farming and traveling. Those loved ones he leaves behind to cherish his memory and continue his legacy include his wife, of nearly 52 years, Kathleen Upchurch Rowsey, of Batesville; one daughter, Melissa Rowsey Browning (Chuck) of New Albany, MS; son, Edward Lee Rowsey, III, (Natalie) of Pope, MS; his mother, Martha Todd Smith Rowsey of Batesville; one sister, Kay Rowsey Cook of Batesville and 2 brothers, Dale Rowsey also of Batesville and Dan Rowsey of Oxford, MS. His pride and joy include 4 grandchildren, Travis & Shelby Rowsey and Hunter and Swayze Browning. The family asks if anyone wishes to memorialize Mr. Lee with contributions, please send those to the First United Methodist Church, 119 Panola Ave., Batesville, MS 38606.