William Rowley Jr.

William Edward Rowley Jr. affectionately known as Sonny was born on April 15, 1945 in Northampton County Virginia to the late William E. Rowley Sr. and the late Josephine Rowley Sonny was blessed with four siblings Paulette, Barbara Ann, Harry, and Ellen who preceded him in death.

William was educated in the Northampton County Public school system, graduating from the Northampton High School. While attending Northampton, he was a three letter athlete who excelled in the sport of baseball. He furthered his educational journey by attending the historically black, Norfolk State University in Norfolk Virginia and continued his studies until he was drafted into the United States Army. He served his country well and received an honorable discharge from that branch of the armed forces.

On December 29, 1967, William married the love of his life, Brenda Ames and for the next fifty-two years they made memories together. From this union, two sons were born, Orlando (Bat) and Brian Rowley. During his lifetime Sonny not only fathered these two young men but he was a father figure to many others, including over twenty foster children whom he continued to nurture and support even into adulthood. These young people have never forgotten the meaningful relationship that William maintained with them and even to this present time, they refer to him as “Da Da Sonny”.

Sonny engaged in many activities during his lifetime but he especially loved fishing, cooking, and photography. Wherever he went, his camera went along with him as he snapped one picture after another capturing the beauty of the moment. He will always be remembered as a man who loved people and a man who was faithful in helping others to achieve their goals. His wife is a faithful member

of the United Evangelistic Church and he along with her was a faithful supporter of the ministry in a multiplicity of ways.

God in his infinite wisdom called William Edward Rowley Jr. home on Wednesday, August 12, 2020.

He leaves to cherish his memory: Brenda, his loving wife of fifty-two years, two sons Orlando (Vanessa), Brian; his siblings Paulette Williams (Phillip-deceased), Barbara Moses (Clifton), Harry Rowley Sr. (Joyce). One aunt, Darlene of Baltimore Maryland. He also leaves to cherish his memories, three grand- children: Shaquyna, Naya, Tyrik, Omar preceded him in death. One great grandson Omari Lane, , Brothers-in –law Clifton Moses, Adolphus Noonie Ames, sister-in law: Sharon Putty Ames and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, his extended brothers and sisters, the Jones family from the Eastern Shore of Virginia, the 2200 block of Bouvier Street, the homies on Susquehanna Avenue, the entire community of Cheapside Virginia and Pastor Geathers and the United Evangelistic Church Family.

Lovingly Submitted

The Family