CMSAF Alfred Raymond "Jack" Rowe, Sr., USAR, Ret., 74, of Columbia, died Monday, May 28, 2012. He was born in Blythewood, SC, on August 20, 1937. Jack retired from the US Air Force as Chief Master Sergeant, having served in the Berlin Crisis. He then began his Civil Service career as chief of supply at Fort Jackson. He later transferred to McEntire Air Force Base, where he served as fire chief with the 169th CES. Jack graduated from Blythewood High School, Class of 1958, and obtained an associates' degree in business administration from Columbia Business School. He was a charter member of the Jamil Temple, and a life member of the Blythewood Masonic Lodge #395. Jack was also a member of the Scottish Rite.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Judith B. Rowe; sons, Alfred Raymond "Jackie" Rowe, Jr. and wife, Elizabeth Gail, Randolph "Randy" O'Dell Rowe and wife, Betty, Jason Paul Rowe and wife, Kelly; 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; as well as his brothers, Homer Edward, Vernon Lamar, Marvin Gene and James Allen Carder. Jack was preceded in death by his mother, Lena Helen Rowe Carder and step-father, Homer Carder; special family, Ed and Hattie Rowe; and aunt, Thelma Rowe.

The funeral service for CMSAF Rowe will be held 11 o'clock, Thursday, May 31st, at Shives Funeral Home, 5202 Colonial Drive, with The Rev. Mac Gilliam officiating. Burial will follow at Killian Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors and Masonic rites. Members of the Blythewood Masonic Lodge are invited to serve as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 o'clock, Wednesday evening, at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the staff of Compassionate Care Hospice for their loving care of Mr. Rowe.