Gilbert Rowe Sockwell, Jr.

Gilbert Rowe Sockwell, Jr., 72, of McLeansville, North Carolina, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. Born on August 12, 1953, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Rowe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and steady source of strength for all who knew and loved him.

The funeral service in celebration of his life will be held at 3 pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather with the family in the Christian Education Center of the church following the burial.

Rowe shared nearly 53 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Diane Lee James Sockwell, having married on June 17, 1973. His love for her was evident in both the big things and the quiet daily acts of care that defined their life together. He showed the kind of love that was constant, genuine, and enduring.

He was the rock and foundation of his family. For his daughters and those who loved him, Rowe was the person you called when you needed help, advice, or simply someone who knew how to fix what was broken. Whether it was something around the house, in the yard, with a car, or a project that felt overwhelming, he always seemed to know what to do. And if he did not already know, he would figure it out. More importantly, he would show up.

He was a patient teacher and gentle guide. Rowe believed in the people he loved and instilled in his children and grandchildren the confidence to believe in themselves. He taught them that they were capable, that they could do anything they set their minds to, and that mistakes were simply part of learning. He was known for his infinite patience, his calm coaching, and his willingness to let his children and grandchildren learn by doing, all while standing nearby with wisdom, encouragement, and a kind word.

As “Papa Rowe,” he was deeply cherished by his eight grandchildren. He loved building things with them, reading them stories, cooking them breakfast, and cheering them on at baseball, softball, football, swim meets, and soccer games. He treasured time with his family and would drop everything to be there for his girls, their husbands, and each of his grandchildren. His presence made people feel safe, known, and cared for.

Though he was a man of few words, his actions spoke clearly. Rowe was dependable, giving, thoughtful, and warm. He was the quiet leader of his family, attentive to the small things and deeply considerate of others. He put family first in every season of life. As the oldest son, he remained close to his parents and faithfully supported both them and the family he built. He lived his faith with strength, kindness, and humility, and the faith of his family reflects the example he set.

Professionally, Rowe worked as an IT Systems Analyst. He attended North Carolina State University and went on to build a career with Wachovia, VF Corporation, and Neoris. After retirement, he continued doing what came naturally to him by owning and managing multiple rental properties and working in carpentry and general contracting. He was truly a jack of all trades and a master of most, a man whose knowledge, resourcefulness, and work ethic served both his family and community well.

Rowe also found joy in many of life’s simple pleasures. He had a lifelong passion for cars, enjoyed golfing, skeet shooting, learning through reading, and loved water skiing and boating at the lake, even barefoot skiing in his younger years. He was always dreaming, planning, and imagining what could be built or improved next. He also had a well-known sweet tooth, especially for ice cream and chocolate.

His life was marked by service and leadership. He was a Boy Scout and was honored with the Order of the Arrow and the God and Country Award. He served on his children’s PTA boards and in leadership at Mt. Pleasant Church, continuing a lifelong pattern of quietly giving his time, talents, and heart to others.

He is survived by his loving wife, Diane Lee James Sockwell; his daughters, Amber Lee Sockwell Cox and husband Greg Cox, Ashlynn Key Sockwell Presutty and husband Mark Presutty, and Austyn Rowe Sockwell; his grandchildren, London Tabor Abernathy, Avery Anderson Cox, Lawson Gregory Cox, Ethan Joseph Presutty, Emersyn Key Presutty, Ellason Avery Presutty, Hudsyn Rowe Sellars, and Hughston Michael Sellars; his parents, Gilbert Rowe Sockwell and Bonnie Karneleta Key Sockwell; his younger brothers, Ron Sockwell and wife Suzette, Roger Sockwell and wife Lisa, Russell Sockwell and wife Donna, and Reid Sockwell and wife Phyllis; and 17 beloved nieces and nephews and their families.

Rowe will be remembered as the sweetest soul, a man whose love was steady, whose hands were always ready to help, and whose heart was anchored in faith and family. The loss of his presence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but the example he gave, the love he poured out, and the strength he built into those around him will remain for generations.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Pleasant Church Cemetery Beautification Fund, 5120 Burlington Road, Greensboro NC 27405.