Dr. Andy Hunter Rowell, Jr Lived a Life Dedicated to the Love of Education and Family

If heaven includes model trains and a library full of history books, then we know where to find Dr. Andy Rowell for the rest of eternity. On November 22, 2017, Andy took his last breath on earth and caught his first glimpse of heaven. In that moment, we know without a doubt that Jesus firmly embraced him declaring: "Well, done my good and faithful servant." After all, Andy spent the past 77 years displaying God's love and grace to his family, friends, and students—and most abundantly to his wife of 57 years, Marilyn Smith Rowell.

Andy's life reflects more than places he lived and worked and the titles he held. Rather his life encompassed a curated collection of memories, experiences, and lessons shared with and implanted into the hearts of others. For these reasons, Andy's legacy continues through the lives of everyone who knew him.

Dr. Rowell was a member of Westwood Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and a member of numerous church committees. He was formerly a member of Ensley Baptist Church serving as a Deacon and teacher of Adult 6 Men's Sunday School Class.

From early on, his mother, Dorothy Rowell, knew God created Andy to teach. He could often be found patiently teaching his younger brothers how to throw a ball, create some of the best paper airplanes, or climb a tree in Ensley Park. So it's no wonder he spent 43 years of his career in the Alabama Education system.

He began his career in the Birmingham Public School System, serving as a teacher at Banks High School and Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. Later, he was principal of Charles Brown Elementary School. During those years as a teacher and principal, Andy also served as President and Treasurer of the Birmingham Education Association. After completing his doctorate in 1973 from The University of Alabama ("Roll Tide," as Dr. Rowell would say!), Andy served as associate professor at UAB for 13 years. Following UAB, he served as superintendent of Midfield City Schools for more than 17 years.

During his tenure as superintendent, Andy served with the Education Committee on the Norton Board at Birmingham-Southern College. After a three-day retirement, Andy continued his devotion to education by joining Rick Lathan Architects, Inc to partner with school systems to build new schools best conducive to learning and teaching.

Yes. In his lifetime, Andy carried the titles and the responsibilities of pivotal positions in the world of education and devoted his life's best work to pour into the lives of children and teachers. It's why he never thought twice about sitting on the floor with children to actively engage in play with them or why he laughed at all of their jokes (even the bad knock-knock jokes). It's also why he made it possible for the Midfield High School Band to travel to Europe to experience history—and music—firsthand and why they in turn honored him by ensuring that the Midfield High School Performing Arts Center bore his name.

Of course, no one benefited more from his love for children than his own two sons, Andy III and Clay. Whether throwing countless pitches to his sons in the backyard batting cage he built for them, coaching Little League, or taking them to their first KISS concert (or second or third!), Dr. Rowell actively modeled for his sons what it meant to be a man who loves his wife, his children, and his God. He was and always will be their hero.

Andy's love for his sons multiplied with the arrival of grandchildren. Even though the backyard batting cage was long gone, Andy created memorable moments with each grandchild by sitting on the floor driving his model trains, telling countless stories of growing up in Birmingham, eating Blue Bell ice cream, and drinking creme soda or Grapico together. His love expanded even further with the arrival of great-grandchildren.

Yes. Andy loved teaching children, making the world better through education, and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. But, his LIFE was his wife, Marilyn. Their love story began on the intramural softball field at Birmingham-Southern when he spotted Miss Marilyn Smith a Pi Beta Phi from Nashville. In that moment, his life changed forever. With Henry Mancini's "Moon River " as the backdrop, Andy courted Marilyn until giving her his Alpha Tau Omega pin at the Valentine's Day Dance in 1959. They married on June 11, 1960 and he continued to court her throughout their 57 years of marriage. His love for and commitment to Marilyn stands as his greatest legacy.

Dr. Andy Hunter Rowell, Jr died as we, too, will all die one day. It's up to us to choose the legacy we will leave behind. Andy chose to leave a legacy of love—a love for children, for education, for family.

Survivors include his wife Marilyn Smith Rowell of over 57 years, two sons Andy Hunter Rowell, III (Terri) and Dr. Paul Clay Rowell (Lisa); six grandchildren Andy Hunter Rowell, IV, Spencer Rowell, Brittany  Boatwright  (Derik), Kelsey  Rowell, Emerson Rowell, and Ellery Rowell; and three great-grandchildren Brody Johnson, Cannon and Brooks Boatwright; brothers James Rowell (Jackie) and Daniel Rowell; nieces Beth Chandler (Jeff) and Jill Mooney. In addition, Dr. Rowell is survived by a number of aunts and cousins.

Pallbearers:  Hunter Rowell, Spencer Rowell, Ira Latham, Michael Thomas, Jeff Chandler, and Rick Lathan.  Honoram Pallbearers:  Kenneth  Clemons, James Moore, and Neil Seigars.

Visitation will be held at Westwood Baptist Church, 2349 Forestdale Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama 35214, Sunday, November 26 ^th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Westwood Baptist Church, 2349 Forestdale Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama 35214 on Monday, November 27 ^th at 1:00 p.m. followed immediately by a graveside service at Elmwood Cemetery. Rev. Steve Potts will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Westwood Baptist Church, 2349 Forestdale Boulevard , Birmingham , Alabama 35214.