Perry Rowe Harris, better known as “Rowe”, entered heaven at the age of 66 on the evening of January 10, 2022. After valiantly battling Parkinson’s disease for over two decades, he is now free to run, jump, sing, read, preach, and strum the guitar with the heavenly host. He battled continually, and was with his family right up until his last earthly breath.
The son of Doris and Mark Harris, Rowe was born on October 4, 1955 in Memphis, Tennessee. He loved his mother, father, brothers, and sisters. He loved BBQ, fishing, and especially playing football, a game that spoke into all areas of his life. The fearlessness, tenacity, and resiliency needed to play middle linebacker in the humid South during the “two a day” practice era characterized his life. In his words, “Once a linebacker, always a linebacker. Purest pathway to civilized aggression known to man.”
His skill was not limited to the athletic field: Rowe possessed a brilliantly curious mind. A 1979 University of Memphis graduate, he professionally practiced as a semiconductor engineer up until September 2002. Harnessing the same love for physics, chemistry, calculus, and trigonometry that so well guided him through his engineering years, Rowe advanced into a Plymouth, MA classroom in 2002. At The New Testament Christian School, his teaching helped open the eyes of young students to the wonders of God’s handiwork through mathematics and science. His impact was not simply academic, though, as he mentored students on the infallible and absolute nature of God; a nature that is tried and true, and can always be relied upon.
Throughout his ambitions, Rowe helped create and raise a family that bears his image. Marrying Debbie Wright on July 25, 1981, Rowe and his wife soon got to work on increasing their legacy. Stephan Andrew, born in April 1982, was the first of eight children. His sons are Stephan, Geoffrey, David (passed away in 1990), Benjamin, William, Kevin, and, by marriage, Mitchell. He didn’t just deliver sons: his daughters are Bethany, Julie, and, by marriage, Alison. He never failed to exhibit sacrificial love and admiration for his wife and children. He said he loved us, and he meant it. In Rowe’s eyes, his wife, Debbie, was the most beautiful. He fished with his kids in love; he
wrestled with his kids in love; enjoyed movies with his kids in love; and even debated with us in love. His family never guessed as to where they stood with him. His candid and wise words remain with us. “Be anxious for nothing.” “Honor your parents, and you will live a long life.” “We cannot suffer anything our Savior did not suffer.”
In addition to loving the family he made with Debbie, he loved his sister and brother-in- law, Myra and Chuck Spindler, and their daughters, Anna, Katie, and Laura. He loved his sisters Maggie and Jennifer, his brothers, Mark and Marshall, and his grandson Elisha.
In honor of our father, Rowe, we welcome you to join us for his burial and memorial service on Saturday, January 15, 2022. Rowe will be buried at the Cedarville Cemetery off of Herring Pond Road in Plymouth, MA at 1pm. Shortly afterward, at 2pm, we will remember and celebrate his life at the New Testament Christian Church at 1120 Long Pond Road in Plymouth, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The New Testament Church.