Wenzel J. Rowan, known to friends and family as “Tennessee,” of Riverhead died on October 18, 2019. He was 83.
Born on June 12, 1936, in Harriman, Tennessee, he accomplished many things in his lifetime, survivors said. He retired from a job at Brookhaven National Lab, worked as a taxi driver, and was a leader in his church, serving as a deacon and a male chorus leader. Survivors said he enjoyed horse racing and taking chances in the scratch-off lottery, but above all else, he was a servant to God and others around him, nearly always with a big smile on his face.
Mr. Rowan was predeceased by his parents; and son Stephen J. Rowan. He is survived by his wife, Iona Rowan of Riverhead; daughter Teresa Thomas of Mastic Beach; son Zuriel Rowan of Florida; three grandchildren, Roshell Ross, Darius Morgan and Daniel Morgan; two great-grandchildren, Johnell and Rashawn Moore; two sisters, Ennis and Joyce; a nephew, Vincent Sumerell; two great-nephews, Christopher and Clayton; and five sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law. He also leaves a host of friends and family in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.