Roger Ronald Rowell

Dr. Roger Ronald Rowell, M.D., of Monroe and Atlanta, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on October 8, 2026, at Piedmont Atlanta Emergency Room in Atlanta. He was born in Vidalia, Georgia, on December 23, 1930.

Dr. Rowell graduated from Vidalia High School in June 1947. He attended Emory University, where he was affiliated with Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Georgia on June 4, 1955.

Following medical school, Dr. Rowell completed his residency in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1956. He subsequently served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958 in Orléans, France, where he worked in pediatrics and obstetrics. He continued his medical training in general surgery and ophthalmology at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, completing his ophthalmology residency in 1962. He later pursued postgraduate study at Colby College in Maine and received certification from the American Board of Ophthalmology in 1964.

Throughout his distinguished medical career, Dr. Rowell maintained memberships in several professional organizations, including the American Medical Association, the Southern Medical Association, the Medical Association of Georgia, and the DeKalb Medical Association. He also served in leadership and legislative roles within the medical community and was associated with the board of directors of MAG Mutual Insurance Company.

Beyond his medical career, Dr. Rowell led a life enriched by service, fellowship, and a wide range of interests. His involvement in Scouting began as a Cub Scout and continued through Boy Scouts to the rank of Eagle Scout. He was also a member of the Order of the Arrow, the Order of Cincinnati, and the Rotary Club, and participated in the Civil War Round Table.

Dr. Rowell had a heart for service and organized medical missionary work with Cross Connection in El Salvador over a ten-year period, helping bring medical care to those in need. He was a member of the First Methodist Church in Monroe, and Decatur Presbyterian Church (40 years) where his Christian faith was an important part of his life.

An avid fisherman, devoted University of Georgia Bulldogs fan, and lover of history, Dr. Rowell enjoyed studying the Revolutionary and Civil War, as well as relic hunting. He also served on the University of Georgia Library Board. Those who knew him will remember his gift for storytelling and his appreciation for sharing experiences, knowledge, and fellowship with others.

Roger was a kind Christian man who was deeply loved by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was marked by a commitment to medicine, service to others, faith, and a genuine interest in the world around him. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.

Dr. Rowell was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Ezra Rowell and Bessie Phillips Rowell; his first wife, Charlotte Rife Rowell; and his stepson, Charles Wheeler McDowell III.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Smith Rowell; his son, Michael Lee Rowell (Judy); his grandson, John Phillips Rowell; his granddaughter, Lauren Lee Rowell; his stepson, Michael Stephen McDowell (Elaine); his stepdaughter, Cynthia McDowell Dillon (Keith); and his daughter-in-law, Corrie Johnson McDowell.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at A.S. Turner & Sons, 2773 N. Decatur Road, Decatur, Georgia. A reception will follow the service at Turner & Sons.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Monroe First Methodist Church in Monroe, Georgia, or to a charity of the donor's choice.