Curtis Leon Rowland

Curtis L. Rowland, 86, of Roanoke, Va., went to his heavenly home on Monday, April 5, 2010. He was born and raised in Walhalla, S.C. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dolly and Waddy Rowland; and brothers, Virgil Justus and Tillman Justice.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving caring wife of 65½ years, Lee (Azolea) Rowland; brother, Lester Rowland, of Milledgeville, Ga.; sisters-inlaw, Gloria Justus, of Long Creek, S.C., and Clara Justice, of Walhalla, S.C.; sons, Don Rowland, and Jerry Rowland and wife, Kay; daughter, Pat Lumsden and husband, David Lumsden; seven grandchildren, Tanti, Jesse and Simone Rowland, children of Don; Scott, Todd, and Melissa Rowland, children of Jerry; Jessica Lumsden, daughter of Pat; eight greatgrandchildren, Kyle, Macy, Sierra, Kristen, Chance, Brenden, Logan and Jayden; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Curtis served in the United States Navy during World War II. Curtis retired in 1986 following 37 years as an Electrician and member of the I.B.E.W. (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers). Curtis has been a faithful member of Crystal Spring Baptist Church, formerly South Roanoke Baptist Church. Curtis surrendered his life to the Lord Jesus being baptized over 50 years ago. His faithful service to the church includes serving as a Deacon, Ordained October 26, 1986, also serving as Trustee, property committee, and being recognized as a Deacon Emeritus on April 19, 2009. Curtis was an active member of his I.B.E.W. 637 retiree club since December 1987 being appointed to the executive board. As a member of Ogden Social Service club He was privileged to be the only male member. Curtis was also an active volunteer of the Roanoke City Rescue Mission.

Lee and family members want to express great appreciation towards the physicians and medical staff that have provided such wonderful and nurturing care since 1989, "notably," Drs. Stephen Couture, William Rutherford, Terrence May, Dr. Vivian, Howard Sherman, Jonathan Till, Steven Harris, Lewis Gale Hospital and the VA Orthopedics Group, and Good Samaritan Hospice. You all are truly God's blessings which helped Curtis experience many miracles, "give God the glory."
The family requests in lieu of flowers, we encourage those with a giving spirit to support the American Heart Association, American Alzheimer's Association or make a memorial contribution to Crystal Spring Baptist Church.
Along the way God has placed many people in our lives to care for and assist Curtis with his needs, as if Angels sent from heaven. Sam Zangana, Danielle Chaney, Eddie Davis, Brian Mullins and Mike Materne. Not only did you provide care to Curtis, you provided friendship and support when Curtis needed it the most. Being that extra set of hands assisting Lee with his care.
Visitation and arrangements will be held at Oakey's South Chapel on Thursday, April 8, 2010, from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. Celebration and memorial service of Curtis' life will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, April 9, 2010, at Crystal Spring Baptist Church followed by a graveside burial at Evergreen Memorial Park in SW Roanoke. Immediately following the burial, a fellowship meal will be held at Crystal Spring Baptist Church fellowship hall.