Dr. William Rowell Burleson, of Lumberton, NC, passed away on April 23, 2026. He was born on June 3, 1938 to Randall and Fannie Burleson in Albemarle, NC. Rowell graduated from Tabor City High School in 1956. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1960 with a BS in Chemistry. Rowell continued his education and graduated from the University of North Carolina Medical School in 1964. After graduation, he did a one-year internship in general surgery at the University of Florida in Gainesville.  After his internship, Rowell enlisted in the US Navy in 1966 as a lieutenant and spent a year on the USS Truckee, a fleet oiler, sailing in the Mediterranean Sea serving as the ship's doctor.  After returning to the US in 1967, he was based out of the Naval Air Station (NAS) in Jacksonville, FL, as a general surgeon. In 1968 he was honorably discharged and received the National Defense Service Medal. Rowell then began a four-year medical residency program in urology at the University of Florida.  He completed his residency in the spring of 1971, moved to Lumberton, NC, and bought into the Lumberton Urology Clinic medical practice and was a beloved surgeon for 47 years before retiring in 2018 at the age of 81.

Rowell was a pillar of Robeson and surrounding counties. He was adored by his patients and coworkers for his outstanding medical care and compassion, as well as his brilliant mind and skill. During his medical career Rowell served as Chief of Staff at Southeastern Regional Medical Center, President of the Robeson County Medical Society, and served as Chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine.

Rowell was also well known for his love and appreciation of the outdoors.  He spent every free moment he had enjoying the outdoors, hunting and fishing with his friends, and especially with his five children.  He was a very proud member of several hunting clubs, including Round Tree Hunt Club, Rowland Gun Club, and East Howellsville Hunting Club.  The closest to his heart, however, was The North State Game Club in Council, NC, the 2nd oldest chartered hunting club in NC, where he was a member since 1973. His children and grandchildren hold precious memories of hunting and fishing trips with their dad and "Granddaddy Burleson", with the most special being North States' annual Boys' and Girls' hunt after Christmas.

Rowell was preceded in death by his parents, Randall and Fannie Burleson, and his sister, Toby Ann Burleson.

Rowell is survived by his wife, Norma Jean Burleson, sons: Scott Burleson (Elizabeth), Doug Burleson (Audrey), Jeffrey Burleson, and Lance Burleson (Tiffany); and daughter, Brooke Burleson Boyle (Matt).  He was also the proud grandfather to 13 grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and staff of Liberty Hospice and Wesley Pines Retirement Center for their care and compassion.

Visitation and Service will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.  Visitation will take place from 2:00-3:00 PM, with the service starting at 3:00 PM at Chestnut Street Methodist Church, 200 E. 8th Street in Lumberton, NC.  A private family burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Burleson's memory may be made to Wesley Pines Employee Christmas Fund or Chestnut Street Methodist Church.