Mitchell Lee Rowland, 71, of Peachtree City

August 18, 1949 – May 18, 2021

Mitchell Lee Rowland, 71, of Peachtree City, Georgia, died after a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.

Mitch was born on August 18, 1949, in Concord, North Carolina to working parents, Egbert and Isabelle. Mitch graduated from East Rowan High School in 1967 and accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated in 1971 and was commissioned as an Ensign.

Prior to starting flight school, Mitch was assigned to DD827, the USS Robert A. Owens as the ship’s Intelligence Officer and Postal Officer.  After his deployment on the destroyer, he accepted orders to Flight Training in Pensacola, Florida.

While stationed in Pensacola he met his wife of 48 years, Carole, a Navy nurse. Mitch received his Wings of Gold in 1973 and flew the F-4 Phantom in San Diego, California, and the TA-4 Skyhawk as an instructor in Beeville, Texas.

In 1979 Mitch started his career with Delta Air Lines as a Second Officer. He retired as a Captain after 25 years of service.

Mitch enjoyed golf with his friends, traveling, spending time at Lake
Martin and quality time with his family.

Mitch was preceded in death by his father, Egbert.

He is survived by his mother, Isabelle (Salisbury, North Carolina), his wife Carole, and his two sons Mark (Tiffany) and Scott (Briana), his sisters Ann Smith (Randall) of Gold Hill, North Carolina, and Beth Benedetto (Vince) of Salisbury, North Carolina. He also adored his five grandchildren Katie Grace, Cason, Tara, Ford, and Kira. He was loved by his nieces, nephews and grandnieces, and grandnephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Mitch at Legacy Christian Church, 1150 Rockaway Road, Senoia, Georgia, 30276 on Saturday, May 22, at 3:00 P.M.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Legacy Christian Church or Emory Winship Cancer Institute. Mitch will be buried at sea at a later date.