John Rowles

Born in Sophia, West Virginia on July 15, 1938

Departed on April 10, 2019 and resided in Nashville, Tennessee

John Frederic Rowles was born on July 15, 1938, in Sophia, WV. The son of Lucille Hamlin and John Paul Rowles, he was raised in Beckley, WV. He was raised by his mother and Grady Allen after his father tragically died when Fred was two years old. Before his mortal coil unraveled, Fred resided in Nashville enjoying spending time with friends and family, especially enjoying movies, Jeopardy, Ellen, Lattes and milkshakes. Fred was a poet, world traveler, father, husband, grandfather, and award-winning documentary film producer/director and an all-around good egg. His journey has taken him through educational television, US Army service, advertising, and ultimately forty years with United Methodist Communications. Over the last year, Fred's health issues became more and more complex. Fred's indominable spirit throughout these challenges was incalculable and he rose to each hurdle with the spirit of a peaceful warrior. Over time these health-related challenges became the perfect storm (one that he could not weather?) that would prove to be his last, and early on Tuesday morning, after April 10, 2019, he died peacefully.
Fred is predeceased by his parents and his wife, Ruth Ellen Dawson Rowles. He is survived by his daughter, Allyson Yvonne Bates and his son, Russell Allen Rowles. He is also survived by four grandsons, and a sister, Susan Roebuck. He had three nieces and one nephew.

Services are to be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at Blakemore United Methodist Church with burial and reception at Harpeth Hills following.