Roger Dale Rowland, 73
July 31, 1953 – August 27, 2026
Roger Dale Rowland, age 73, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at his home.
Services honoring Roger’s life will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home, with Bro. Kenneth Harrison and Bro. Doc Shelton officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 29, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and again on Sunday, August 30, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service, all in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery.
Roger was born on July 31, 1953, to the late J.C. and Helen Rowland in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and received his education from Falkner High School. He later worked as a self-employed mechanic and could often be found doing what he loved most, working on cars. His love for old cars never faded, and he could spend hours talking about them, working on them, or bringing an old one back to life.
He started off his days at Discount Auto Parts, a place that became a second home to him. A trip to Falkner eventually became part of Roger’s daily routine and where he loved spending his weekends.
On August 26, 1972, Roger married the love of his life, Bonnie. This year, they celebrated 54 years of marriage with a lifetime built together through good days and hard days.
Roger was a man of few words that showed his love in the little things and in simply sharing everyday life with the people he loved. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren brought so much meaning to his life and the memories they made with him will be treasured for years to come.
Some of the sweetest memories were made on Sunday rides on the Gator with his great grandchildren. Those wild rides, the time spent together, and the memories made along the way will forever be remembered.
Roger did not need a lot of words to leave a big impression. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, mechanic, and friend. He was a hardworking man who loved his family, old cars, and found happiness in the simple things.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Bonnie Rowland; his two sons, Rodney Rowland (Joy) and Steve Rowland (Brandi); his sister, Sharon Rowland; his two brothers, John Rowland (Lisa) and Jimmy Rowland; his six grandchildren, Shelby Watts (Jamal), Sami Murphy (Wes), Kye Rowland, Peyton Rowland, Charlee Rowland, and Daisee Rowland; and four great grandchildren, Hadlee Watts, Harlee Watts, Harper Willard, and Westin Murphy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J.C and Helen Rowland, two brothers, Robert Rowland and Ronnie Rowland, and his grandchild, Westin Dale Rowland.
The Rowland family would like to give a special thank you to Arden Hospice Care, Heather Rutherford, Shelby Thomas, Zach Koon, Johnny Crouch, Andy Hopper, Rocky Glissen, and Jo Anne Childers, for their love, help, and support.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Ricky Thrasher, Johnny Crouch, Zach Koon, Mark Pannell, Andy Hopper, and Petie Rutherford. Honorary pallbearers will be the Discount Auto Parts crew.
He leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will be cherished by the people who loved him most. His chair may be empty, his tools may be still, and those Sunday Gator rides may never feel the same, but the love he gave his family will remain.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with the Rowland family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Sunday
August 30, 2026
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home
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Funeral Service
Sunday
August 30, 2026
2:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home
