John Charles Rowley, 47, of Carrollton, Ga., born February 24, 1965, passed away suddenly on September 22, 2012. He was born in Akron, Ohio, and grew up in and around Akron, Ohio, and Wilson, N.C.

After graduating from Hunt High School in Wilson, N.C., he joined the Army. While in the service he was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and Camp Kasey Korea. While stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., he met a fellow soldier whom he would fall in love with and marry. So on a beautiful day in early September, 1987, he married the love of his life, Rhonda Gayle Rush. He served his country for four years and received an Honorable discharge in March of 1988. He would remain at Fort Leonard.

Wood for almost another year until his wife was discharged in January 1989 and they moved to Georgia.

John worked for Teledyne Continental Motors, Baby Does, Mia Spiagia and Park Place before he stumbled into what would become his greatest passion. A backyard hobby of growing hastas by his stepfather turned into a 19-year venture and the creation of Triple Creek Flower Farm, businesses that he helped grow from the ground up and became his heart and soul. In the past 19 years as John grew the business he also grew a family, Charles born May 16, 1990, Johnathan born October 27, 1994, Nina born February 19, 1999, David born May 30, 2001, and Daniel born December 4, 2003. This business not only provided for his family but afforded him the chance to be there at the birth of every child and special events as they grew. Yet John being the generous soul he was did not stop at just the five children born to him, he and his wife brought other children into their home. They became segregate parents to an additional 13 children from 2007-2012. Loving them, feeding them, and often scolding them while guiding them on their way as they stepped from childhood into adulthood.

John touched numerous lives in countless ways to know him was to love him. He was a wonderful husband and father who was loved and adored by his family. He left his mark on this big old world not only in the gardens he designed and the children he made but by being a loving giving person.

John you will truly be missed by everyone whose life you touched.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Rhonda Rowley. He is further survived by his sons, Charles W. Rowley, Johnathan R. Rowley, David E Rowley, Daniel R Rowley; his daughter Nina L. Rowley. Survived also by his parents, Pat and Wink Brinson and Bill and Karen Rowley; brother, Billy and Kellie Rowley; sisters, Jennifer Rowley, Regina Perfetto, Jeni Guerra, Alyson Wilson; father-in-law, Forrest R. Rush; sister-in-law, Rebecca Williams, Rachael Tarverdi, Amanda Boyette, Tammy Hiles; brothers-in-law, Forrest Randy Rush, Jo John Boyette, Cory Boyette; nieces, Tyler Anne Rowley, Cassandra Hoffman, Breanna Degen, Celeste Degen, Abigail Hiles, Trinity Boyette, Tessa Boyette; nephews, Robert Williams, Brandon Tarverdi, Tyler Degen, Bryan Tarverdi, Malichi Hiles; great-niece, Payton Hoffman; great-nephew, Jayden Rowley.

Funeral services will be at Martin and Hightower Funeral Home, 1312 South Park St., Carrollton, on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012, at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in the name of John Charles Rowley Fund c/o SunTrust Bank.

Messages of condolences maybe sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com.

Martin and Hightower, Heritage Chapel, Carrollton.