William Spruill Rowe of Mineral Bluff, GA, passed away in his home on October 29, 2024, at the age of 85.

Bill was born on July 12, 1939, in Charleston, SC, to parents Corinne and William Rowe. He was an only child, and his parents taught him hard work, faithfulness, kindness and an entrepreneurial savvy. He was raised in the church and his father's mercantile shop-both shaping his character and beliefs. Bill ventured out to junior college at Clemson and then on to the University of Georgia, where he completed his degree in veterinary medicine. During vet school he met a charming and sweet woman, Cindy Herrick, who he went on to marry in 1965.

After Bill received his DVM, the US army drafted him into the Vietnam War, and he served at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. Following his service, he and Cindy stayed in San Antonio where he began his first veterinary practice, Town & Country Veterinary Clinic. His practice began with large animal care and, as the city grew out around them, expanded to include small animals. Bill was beloved by his many clients, because of his knowledge and skill in treating their pets and his good-natured kindness. He specialized in orthopedic surgery and was respected in the region as one of the best.

Bill also excelled as a businessman. Seeing the opportunity for growth, he eventually opened three new vet practices and joined in a partnership to open an ER vet hospital.

Bill gave generously to the many needs he saw around him. Over the years, Bill was a faithful supporter of Christian Veterinary Mission, Samaritan's Purse, Alliance Defending Freedom, Cru, Bible Study Fellowship, his local community and many more. He also gave of his time, serving on many boards as chairman and member, and at his church, as deacon and member, teaching Sunday School and VBS and volunteering in disaster relief efforts.

Most of all, Bill was a devoted husband to Cindy and father to his four daughters. He enjoyed taking family vacations to national parks and important historical spots. He sought out ways to give his kids hands-on life experiences. He included them in his veterinary practice by hiring them as receptionists and having them clean kennels on weekends and hand him instruments in surgeries. He was present for sports games and music recitals. He helped his daughters raise chickens, ducks and puppies. They learned to garden and ride horses. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with his girls (especially in nature). He valued his daughters' education and expressed pride in their work in the world. He was a kind and patient husband as well, supportive of Cindy's interests and talents. He always showed appreciation for her cooking, especially her homemade granola. Bill loved to surprise Cindy with well-timed, thoughtful, extravagant gifts, which is one of his daughters' favorite memories. When he became a granddaddy, he enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, taking them on tractor rides, wrestling and teaching them things he knew.

As a true renaissance man, Bill was interested in learning about and excelling in his many hobbies. Some of his favorite pastimes were cycling, golf, woodworking and gardening. He was an avid cyclist and spent countless hours building friendships out on the road.

The reach of Bill's influence on earth will never fully be understood, but he impacted the broader community and his family with a wonderful legacy.

Along with his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Lucinda (Cindy) Rowe. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Christy (Darin) Sloan, Suzanne (Jim) McGregor, Holly (Tyler) Emler and Megan (Jonathan) Copeland; grandchildren Stephen (Hannah) McGregor, James McGregor, CC (Tyler) Stafford, Spencer Sloan, Leo Emler, William Emler, Riverlea Emler, Bennett Emler, Caroline Copeland, Thomas Copeland and Lainey Copeland; cousin, Charlotte Abrams (Keith McConnell).

A funeral service was held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 10 am at First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA, with Pastor Rusty Thomas officiating.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge, GA was in charge of these arrangements.