Richard L. (Dick) Rowe

Rowe, Richard L. (Dick) age 69 of Pigeon Forge passed away Friday July 27, 2001. Dick was born and raised in Winter Haven, Fl, where at age 13, at Cypress Gardens, he first put on a pair of water skis and ended up going around the world because of them . At age 15, he set a new world’s record for water ski jumping. In 1948, he won the boys national junior water ski championship. While still holding that title, in 1949, he won the nations best in men’s slalom competition and went on to win the men’s national water ski championship. After high school, he attended the University of Florida on a football scholarship, playing offensive guard for the Gators. He was a member of the Fabulous 50’s, a member of the University of Florida Alumni Club, Gator Boosters, and the University of Florida Lettermans F Club. He was one of the first barefoot water skiers and also one of the first to para-sail and kite-fly with skis. He has gone down in the history books of live entertainment as a pioneer in the development of professional water ski shows. Before moving to Pigeon Forge, he lived in Ocala, FL for 23 years where he was a member of Grace Episcopal Church. He was executive vice president of Water Ski Shows Inc, of Pigeon Forge, TN and has skied in, booked and produced water shows in almost every state and many foreign countries since he started the sport in 1944. He was a member of the USA Water Ski Club, the IAAPA, the Gatlinburg Elks Lodge, No.1925, having been an Elks member for 47 years. He was preceded in death by parents Mallie and Mattie Rowe, and sister Coulette Bocz. Survivors: Wife: Mary Bob Rowe Son & Daughter-in-law: Richard S. (Ricci) & Peggy Rowe Grandchildren: Parker, Sam, and Erin Rowe Stepson: Howard Clinton & wife Julia Stepdaughters: Debbie Hoffmann & husband Kevin Rachel Clinton Step Grandchildren: Kinsey, Griffin, and Avery Hoffmann Sister: M.Z. DiBacco Special Cousin: Aileen Toce Memorial service 7pm Wednesday at St. Joseph The Carpenter Episcopal Church, on Hardin Lane, Sevierville. The Reverend A. Robert Rizner officiating, and eulogy by E.L. Foster, Mayor of Ocala, FL. A private interment will be in Shiloh cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Dick Rowe Memorial; Sevier County Relay for Life: c/o Emily B. Kile; 803 Dolly Parton Parkway; Sevierville, TN 37862. The family will receive friends from 5-7pm Wednesday at St. Joseph The Carpenter Episcopal Church, on Hardin Lane, Sevierville. Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home.