James W. Rowland, age 69, of Bethlehem, GA, passed away Friday, October 4, 2013. Mr. Rowland enjoyed hunting, fishing, and collecting model cars. He enjoyed teaching at the CDL of Georgia Truck Driving School and retired from Averitt Express, as a truck driver, with 45 years of truck driving experience. Mr. Rowland is preceded in death by his parents Winslow and Kansas Herron Rowland. Survivors include his former wife, Patty Rowland of Monroe, GA; son and daughter-in-law, Rickey and Susan Rowland of Homer, GA; daughter Kay Rowland and partner Susan Owens, of Albany, GA; granddaughters, Stephanie Ellis and husband Brent of Commerce, GA, Kristin Hooper and husband Andy of Gillsville, GA; sister, Gerry King of Gaffney, SC. The family will have a private memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Mary’s Hospice Services, P.O. Box 6588 Athens, GA 30604; please specify in memory of James W. Rowland. Smith Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
