B. Kent Rowley, Sr.

   Bryant Kent Rowley, Sr., 95, of 205 Comanche Trail, Edenton, NC, passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2016, in Vidant Chowan Hospital, Edenton.      Mr. Rowley was born on April 27, 1921, in Mecklenburg County, VA, and was the son of the late George William Rowley, Sr. and Effie Inez Ferguson Rowley. A retired electrician with Norfolk Naval Shipyard, he was a member and deacon of Bandon Chapel in the Arrowhead community of Chowan County, and had served as treasurer and past president of the Chowan Ruritan Club. A Mason for over 75 years, he was a member of Unanimity Masonic Lodge #7, A.F. & A.M., and The Order of The Eastern Star (formerly Edenton Chapter No. 302, now Elizabeth City Chapter No. 44). In years past, while living in Portsmouth, VA, he was a member and Elder of Simonsdale Presbyterian Church, was active in the Tidewater District of the Boy Scouts of America where he was only the second person to receive the Order of Merit Award, and had served as president of the Simonsdale Civic Club.  He was a Navy veteran of World War II.      In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death in January of this year by his wife of 72 years, Marlyn Jean Rief Rowley; his sisters, Bess, Alice, Rachel, and Edith; his brothers, George, Earl, Arthur, and Wilbur; and by an infant son, Charles Richard Rowley.      Surviving are his daughter, Jean Rowley Newman of Chesapeake, VA; his son, Bryant Kent “B.K.” Rowley, Jr. and wife EuVera of Portsmouth; six grandchildren, Will Rowley, Renatta Rowley Parinas and husband Aerock, Christopher Newman and wife Melissa, Pamela Newman Rowland and husband Ryan; Angela Newman Dauphin and husband Eric; and Brandon Newman; and seven great-grandchildren.      A visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton.      Funeral services will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. in Bandon Chapel and will be officiated by The Rev. Charlie Ullom. Masonic Rites will be accorded in the church. The burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. that afternoon in Olive Branch Cemetery at City Park, Portsmouth.      In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bandon Chapel, 200 Bandon Road, Edenton, NC 27932.      The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Mr. Rowley’s care-givers, Carolyn Schwarm, Joan Mills Sanmiguel, and Sheryl Pierce for the devoted and loving attention given to him during this time of declining health.      Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.