Rayburn "Ray" Rowe

Rayburn “Ray” Rowe, age 70, of Leesburg FL, passed away on February 13 2026 of natural causes; just shy of his 71st birthday. He was born May 4th 1955 in Pulaski, Giles County TN. Seeking adventure and new opportunities, Ray enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after graduating high school. His first great adventure took him overseas, where he developed a lifelong love for Thai food and sushi in Southeast Asia. Ray proudly served his country for 23 years ultimately retiring as a Master Sergeant (E7). His service included combat operations during the Vietnam War, Cold War, and peacetime. Originally an ammo troop where he stacked bombs (leading to his nickname with his biker brothers of Stacker), he transitioned into a unique program at Eglin AFB where exceptional NCOs took on program management and logistics management duties for then in-development classified projects, a job and career field typically filled by commissioned officers. He retired with numerous accolades and the deep respect of those who served alongside him. The award he was most proud of was the German Armed Forces Badge for Weapons Proficiency (Schützenschnur) from his time in Germany where he won several marksmanship competitions with the Bundeswehr while stationed in Germany. Following his military retirement, Ray transitioned into civilian life, leveraging his expertise as a military loggie, working in warehouse logistics. Beginning in the 1980s, he devoted many weekends to the Society of Creative Anachronism (SCA) building many lifelong friendships. Those friends knew him as Roland, or if mischief was afoot as Baron Skippy. In the past ten years, he re engaged with his love of motorcycling and became an active member of his local chapter of the United States Military Vets Motorcycle Club (USMVMC) He cherished riding cross-country with his brothers and participating in club charity events. Ray loved a good sci-fi movie (Godzilla), was a voracious reader, and an avid gamer. Always a social man, he made many a friend gaming with them online or around a game table. Ray is survived by his sisters, Nancy Reid, Louise Durrance, and Evelyn Dean (Jim Dean); his nieces and nephews; his lifelong friend Albert Garcia; his godson, Captain Calvin Garcia, USAF; and his great-godson Frederick Garcia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Etta Mae Cottongim and Raymond Sanford Rowe Sr. and his brothers, Raymond S. Rowe Jr. and Robert A. Rowe (Judy Rowe). Ray has taken his final ride. He loved the thrill of speed and the feeling of freedom — just the wind on his face and not a worry in the world. He believed life was meant to be lived to the fullest, and for him, that meant two wheels, a roaring engine, and the camaraderie of fellow riders. His spirit will ride on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lake County USMVMC, VPresident@usmvmc.org Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg, Florida.

Rayburn "Ray" Rowe

May 4, 1955 - February 13, 2026