Jerry Dillard Rowzie's Obituary
Jerry D. Rowzie
He was born in Alexandria, VA, on July 13, 1939, to Dillard H. and Elizabeth M. Rowzie. He was a graduate of Annandale High School and The George Washington University where he earned a BS in Accounting.
Mr. Rowzie was employed 35 years with the Department of Defense. For 30 years he worked at the Defense Logistics Agency at Cameron Station, Alexandria, VA, as a systems analyst on major computer systems. He began his computer career in 1958 at Acacia Mutual Life Insurance Company in Washington, DC. There he worked on the company’s first computer system, the mammoth IBM mainframe computer. He found the work fascinating, and in 1965 left Acacia to join the Federal Government at DLA, where there were greater challenges to provide supplies for our military troops worldwide. He retired from Defense Information Systems Agency in 2000 then joined Lockheed Martin Corporation in the same career path. He retired in 2005 from Lockheed Martin to wage his valiant battle with terminal lung cancer, which was diagnosed in April, 2004.
Jerry was an avid sports fan who had an unbelievable knowledge of sports trivia. He loved the teams in Washington, DC, especially the Redskins, Senators, and Nationals. Beginning in the 1970’s he was very involved in the early development of girls’ soccer in the Washington metro area. He coached his daughter Jennifer’s Braddock Road Cougars girls travel team for many years which included two national championship appearances.
His passion in life was his family and he was his children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan. Most weekends and vacations he could be found on the sidelines of a sporting event or in the audience of a concert. His unique gift of encouragement helped to form a special bond with each of his grandchildren as he shared experiences and participated in their development. He loved to travel and he and his wife visited friends and family even after his cancer diagnosis.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carol Rowzie; four children, Pamela DeBell (John) of Centreville, VA, Nancy Schoonmaker (Renny) of Grand Rapids, MI, Jennifer Kern (Matt) of Weddington, NC, and Jay Rowzie (Cathie) of South Riding, VA. Survivors also include 13 grandchildren who loved their “Pop” dearly.
Relatives and friends may join us at a graveside service at Lovettsville Union Cemetery, 12930 Lutheran Church Rd., Lovettsville, VA, on Saturday, August 27th at 10:30 am to be followed by a memorial service at 1:00 pm at Cedar Run Community Church, 13560 McLearen Rd., Herndon, VA, 20171.
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