John Robert Rowland, 84, passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at his home in Emory.
John was born in Washington County, VA to the late Maurice and Nannie Montgomery Rowland. He served in the United States Marines during WWII. He was a member of Smyth Chapel United Methodist Church. John was a farmer who also enjoyed gardening and doing yard work.
John liked sports, particularly University of North Carolina basketball and Emory and Henry football. He had a dry sense of humor and knew how to make people laugh. John was truly a good and kind person and a friend to all. He had the wonderful gift of being able to make everyone he met feel important.
John loved this area and was proud to show people around while they were visiting. He particularly enjoyed going with his wife for long rides on back roads in their convertible.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, George Randall Rowland.
Survivors include his wife of thirty-seven years, Linell Stevenson Rowland; two daughters: Nan Rowland Jones and her husband Allan of Abingdon, and Susan Brown Rowland of North Carolina; one sister, Karen Heinich and her husband, Robert of Durham, NC; two grandsons, Tyler Smith and his wife Emily, and Tanner Smith; one great grandson Landen Smith; and two aunts, Geneve and Janet Montgomery.
A graveside service for John Rowland will be held on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 3:00 pm in the Holston Conference Cemetery with Rev. Beverly Robinette officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 from 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. The family will accept flowers or memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 246, Abingdon, VA 24212 or Haven of Rest Rescue Mission, 624 Anderson St, Bristol TN 37620 or a charity of your choice.