Billy L Rowland

The life of Billy L. Rowland, 85, who died at his Anniston home on September 20, 2010, will be celebrated on Saturday, September 25, at the First Christian Church of Anniston at 1 p.m. and will conclude at the Forestlawn Mausoleum on Golden Springs Road. Services will be conducted by the Rev. Rebecca Littlejohn. Friends are invited to gather at the church for visiting and remembrance beginning at 12 p.m. Survivors include two brothers, Joe Rowland and family, of Fort Smith, Ark., and Bobby Rowland and family, of Tyler, Texas; sister-in-law, Robbie Cook and husband Jim, of Sugarland, Texas; a devoted church family and a host of dear friends. Pall bearers will include Dick Bell, Kenny Hays, Don Jones, Todd Lesh, Arlan Roszell, Scott Roszell, Matt Sledge and Robert Soleman. Honorary pallbearers will include the elders and deacons of First Christian Church of Anniston. Bill, a native of Fayetteville, Ark., married Darlena Adams, his fourth grade sweetheart, in 1943. He went immediately to serve in the European Theater during World War II. Wounded and hospitalized in Paris, he celebrated VE Day with the French and then went on to render distinguished post-war service in Italy and Austria. Other assignments included Korea, Texas, and Alaska before coming to Fort McClellan where he served as the Fort's Personnel Director. Following military retirement, Bill and Darlena remained in Anniston where he worked with Chastain-Roberts Grocers and Howell Realty Companies. He offered his volunteer services at Interfaith Ministries, as treasurer and with the Meals-on-Wheels program, and was honored with the Dill award for outstanding service in 1992. When his wife was disabled by a serious stroke, Bill cared for her at home for many years with the assistance of her devoted caregiver, Sherebye Bonner. Their home was always filled with music and guests were invariably offered cake. Bill's warm and caring personality endeared him to people everywhere throughout his life. A true Southern gentleman, his competitive spirit was seen only across the bridge table. Bill was a consummate churchman, a lifelong member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). At First Christian Church of Anniston, he served faithfully in numerous leadership capacities including chair of the Board of Trustees. He was honored with the title of Elder Emeritus in the 90s, but a generation of children also knew him as the Bubblegum Man. Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Darlena, in 2005. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Christian Church, 1327 Leighton Avenue, Anniston, AL 36207. Gray Brown-Service Mortuary in charge of arrangements. (256) 236-3441 Online condolences made at www.graybrownservice.com