Leslie "Sonny" Carmen Rowe

     Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate the life of Leslie C “Sonny” Rowe who lived 93 long, loved, blessed years and passed from his earthly life Saturday, October 4, 2025.  Sonny was born on July 25, 1932, on the homeplace in Currie, one of twelve children born to the late David Franklin Rowe and Mildred Laura Ward Rowe. 

     He attended Long Creek School and graduated from Zebulon High School where he played basketball.

     Sonny served in the Navy from 1950-1954 on the submarine USS Chopper 342 which was stationed in Key West and served in the European Occupation following WWII.

     After his service, he returned home to Pender County and Wilmington area. One night at the Ocean Plaza in Carolina Beach he met a young lady, Bernice Herring.  Sonny and Bernice were married for 57 years before her passing in 2018.  They had five children, David Rowe, Doug Rowe, John Rowe, Gina (Larry) Hesse, Tina St. Pierre and seven grandchildren, Ashley (Tyler) Small, Adam Rowe, Nicholas, Lauren and Christian Hesse and Zach and Abbey St. Pierre; and a great-grandchild on the way. Sonny is also survived by his brother, John "Shaby" Rowe; and many nieces and nephews.

     While Daddy’s military service took him to exciting destinations around the world and his days as a truck driver took him all over the United States; his heart and home were always in the history and heritage of his family here in Pender County.  He loved the land and farming. Sonny farmed many crops but had a passion for Strawberry farming. He ran a successful strawberry plant business that sold plants all over the US. He was an innovator in brining plasticulture strawberry farming to NC.  The Sonny Rowe Farm Market has served up their trademarked “Carolina Sweetie” strawberries and Jumbo peanuts to travelers and the community for over 60 years with a roadside produce stand first on Hwy 421 then in Rocky Point.

     Daddy loved farming but also had a great interest in genealogy and loved talking with customers, friends and family about genealogy and the history of Pender County. He was a huge history buff and an avid reader about the Civil War.  He was a fun and lively storyteller who loved to cut up with his friends at their morning “board meetings”.

     He will be laid to rest on the land and farm he loved.  The graveside service will be Friday, October 17, 2025 at 11 a.m. on the Rowe Farm at 10895 US Hwy 421 Currie. After the service family and friends are invited to join us at Moore’s Creek Baptist Church for visitation and fellowship.

     Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall.

     A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw, NC

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