Larry Everett Rowe

Larry E. Rowe, loving husband and father of two children, passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2020 after a brief acute and prolonged chronic illness.  Larry was born on November 29, 1951 in Grundy, Virginia to Everett and Gracie Rowe, of Grundy.   He was the baby of the family of nine children—two girls and seven boys.  He was the only child born in a hospital!

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by son Larry Scott Rowe; brothers Ray, and Jim Rowe; and sisters Shelby Keene, and Reba Woosley.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, his soulmate and personal nurse, Patt Rowe; his daughter and son-in-law, Michael and Holly Schmitt; grandchildren Sam, and Haley Melton; brothers and sisters-in-law Roger and Dianne Rowe of Madisonville, Tennessee, and Bill and Helen Rowe of Abingdon, Virginia; brothers Delano Rowe of Florence, Alabama, and Denny Rowe of Abingdon, Virginia; and step-grandchildren Anthony, and Evan Schmitt of Waxhaw, North Carolina. He was specially loved by niece Janet Rowe-Nunley of Rienzi, Mississippi; and multiple neighbors, who are family, including Freddie and Janice Ferrell, Kirk and Tracy Ruoff, and Ken and Valerie Minnick of Meadowview, Virginia.

“My dad was a phenomenally talented man.  He was a musical and mathematical prodigy of sorts.  He picked up a guitar in his early teens and learned to play 'by ear.'  Daddy didn’t have any formal music training but quickly taught himself to play beautiful music, and he could pick up most instruments with strings and play an amazing tune.  He also was a talented builder and could build the strongest and most solid home without even a set of blueprints.  He built many houses that have stood the test of time years and years later.  There were not many things that Dad did not know how to do, from building houses, playing instruments, and working on cars. He was loved by many, the best grandfather my kids could ever ask for, and a father always there for the random question, the ‘around-the-house conundrum’ that I would get myself into, and basically anything he could offer that was asked of him.  He was known to be generous and kind and would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it.  I am privileged to be his daughter, and along with my mom and family, will miss him more than words can say.  His last project was helping me build out my barn for my beloved horses, which will always be near and dear to my heart.  We love you daddy, play your music loud so we can hear it from here. We know the Angels are impressed, just like we always were!” ~ Daughter Holly Schmitt ~ 

The family will receive friends, Thursday, November 19, 2020, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Due to new Covid-19 guidelines, visitation is limited to a maximum of 25 persons at a time. As always for all events, face masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.

A funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m., at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, with Pastor Eugene Whited officiating. Those wishing to view the service via internet may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com/services/live-stream 15 minutes prior to the service.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., at Greenhills Memory Gardens in Claypool Hill, Virginia. Ryan Ward, Sam Melton, John Matney, Mark Keene, Anthony Schmitt, and Evan Schmitt will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne McNeal, Freddie Ferrell, Buddy Arms, Stanley King, Linda Powers, and Annette Hall. 

Those wishing to express sympathy online or send “Hugs from Home” may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. 

The family of Larry E. Rowe is being cared for by the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).