Mr. Rowland was born with a disability that didn't allow him to pursue some of the normal activities we associate with living life. He couldn't go to school or work. He couldn't understand the difference in a $1 or a $5 bill, but he could tell you everything about any family member or family gathering from the beginning of time until his last breath. When his father had to go live in a nursing home, Raymond also had to move to a new home. As expected, it took some adjusting, but Hickory Log Vocational School in White quickly became home to Raymond. When he would visit his family, he would only stay a few days and was ready to go "home." He was never supposed to live as long as he did -- but the care and love shown him in his home sustained him for years longer than anyone could have imagined.
Left to cherish his memory are his brothers, Carroll Rowland of Tallapoosa and Harold Rowland of Dawson; half siblings, Minnie Lee Williams, Martha Spake, and Inez Griffin all of Bremen, Lorraine Rowland of Carrollton, Roy Rowland of Douglasville, Horace Rowland of Bremen and Lamar Rowland of Sampson, Ala.
Funeral services were held March 30, at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Miller Funeral Home with Rev. Harold E. Payne officiating. Music was provided by Buddy Gentry. Pallbearers serving was Kirk Rowland, Charles Rowland, Tony Spake, Keith Moncrief, David Lee, and Robbie Bell. Honorary pallbearers were the staff and friends from Hickory Log Vocational School.
Interment followed in Cold Springs Cemetery in Winston.
Sympathies may be sent to the family at www.miller-funeralhome.com, Miller Funeral Home, Tallapoosa, Ga.