Robert E. Nowell, Jr.

Robert E. Nowell, Jr., 91, of Lawrenceville, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2023. Robert grew up in Decatur, Georgia and graduated from Decatur Boys High School. He was a member of Oakhurst Baptist Church where he met his lovely wife, Barbara. Robert and Barbara were married in 1953 and they graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, AL together in 1956. Robert went on to earn a Masters and Specialist Degree in Education and spent his career teaching and coaching in DeKalb County.

Coach Nowell started his career at Druid Hills High School in 1956 and later coached at Sequoyah, and Briarcliff High Schools. Baseball was his first love, and he coached the 1972 Sequoyah Braves who were the AAA Georgia Baseball Champs. He also coached three state championship gymnastics teams at Druid Hills, two at Sequoyah, and another three at Briarcliff. On the baseball field Coach always wore the #13 jersey, reminding his kids that you make your own luck. He retired from teaching and coaching in 1986.

In his retirement Robert travelled the world and gave of his time to a worthy cause. He spent many days working for Disaster Relief and World Changers. He was a member of Briarlake Baptist Church for over 50 years where he served as a deacon and an active participant in mission work and church building around the world.

He was dearly loved and admired by his family and is survived by his wife Barbara Stephenson Nowell, son R. David Nowell, daughter Laine Nowell (Mike Crow), granddaughter Ansley Anchors, special family members Libby Godwin Maddux (Dan), Daniel Godwin (Luciana), John Godwin, Stephen Godwin, Elizabeth Godwin and Daniella Godwin.

He is predeceased by his parents R Edmund Nowell, Sr and Erma Smith Nowell, sister Patricia Nowell Partee, and foster son Bill Godwin.