Roland (Big Daddy) Jennings Sr. August 25, 1936 - November 14, 2012 Roland was born to Arbe and Lillie Mae Jennings in Camp Hill, Alabama and was raised in Atlanta, Georgia where he graduated from David T. Howard High School in 1954. Roland passed away peacefully in his home after a brief illness. . Roland Jennings Sr. enlisted into the U.S. Air Force serving for 21 years. He served during the Vietnam Era, retiring as a Technical Sergeant in 1978. During his military service, he traveled the world and was stationed in Thailand, Spain, Puerto Rico and several military installations in the United States with Mather Field Air Force Base being his last stop. Roland joined the California Department of Corrections after his military service. He worked at Folsom State Prison; Hidden Valley Ranch and his last assignment at Headquarters in downtown Sacramento. Roland retired as a Sergeant after 20 years in law enforcement. Roland had many interests and hobbies. He was an avid reader and pool table shark. Roland attended the University of Maryland, and the University of Puerto Rico. He was a member of the Masonic order of Mason, and was elevated to 32o as the Commander Chief of the Consistory. Roland was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans. Roland was a true motorcycle enthusiast. Roland bought his first motorcycle while in high school. He has owned a Harley Davidson, Vesper motor scooter, Mustang, Triumph 110, Yamaha Trident and rode Honda Goldwings for the last 30 years. Roland was a hard rider and was known for his exceptional riding skill, riding across America twice with 1000's of miles in between. For the last 10 years, Roland was an honorable member of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, Sacramento Chapter. His Buffalo Soldiers name was Big Daddy, because he was larger than life. He loved the history, benevolence and camaraderie of the Buffalo Soldiers and he made hundreds of friends along his journeys with the club. Roland was most proud of his family. He met Claudette Taggart in high school. Their marriage was blessed with 4 sons and 1 daughter. Roland is survived by; Roland II and Takako Jennings of Santa Maria, Ca., Andre Jennings of New York, NY., Jeffrey and Cynthia Jennings of Vacaville, Ca., Brian Jennings of Menlo Park, Ca., and he was preceded in death by Colete Jennings. Roland was also blessed with two other children; Verela Lin Jennings of Red Rock, Tx. and Charles Ed Slaughter of Atlanta, Ga. Roland has 6 grandchildren; Kamaria, Alexcia and Natajia Jennings of Vacaville, Kian and Brian II Johnson of Virginia and Izayah Jennings of Texas. Roland was preceded in death by his parents, Arbe and Lillie Mae Jennings of Atlanta. A memorial service will be held on Thursday November 29, 10 a.m. at Milton Carpenter Funeral Home, 569 North First Street, Dixon, California. He will be laid to eternal rest at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, California and the celebration of life will follow at the Veteran's Hall, 1305 North Main Street, Dixon.
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As the 14th of November comes up, and 10yrs since your passing my thoughts have become heavier as always. Zay is doing amazing in college, playing football. You'd be so proud of him and me. I'm better than before and I hope you've watched it all. I miss you Daddy-O and love you so much.
Verela
Family
November 2, 2022
Alexcia Jennings
Family
September 2, 2022
Alexcia Jennings
Family
September 2, 2022
Alexcia Jennings
Family
September 2, 2022
You crossed my mind tonight . I know your watching down and see your great grand kids , all 3 of them. Who would´ve thought , me with 3 kids . I wish you were around to meet them. Love you and miss you .
Alexcia Jennings
Family
September 2, 2022
Roland was the epitome of calm, cool and collected. I grew up with his daughter and she was tough as nails yet compassionate and understanding, apples usually don't fall too far from the tree
Dustin Rodriguez
Friend
December 8, 2016
Dustin Rodriguez
Friend
December 8, 2016
Zay and I miss you dearly. He has grown so much and I know you are watching above at how much of a young man he is becoming. Continue to watch over us as I know you do. I hear your voice in my head all the time leading me in the right direction. I know, I know..I should have listened ALOT sooner but some grasp maturity sooner than others. Honored to be a Jennings. See you later Daddy-O
Verela and Zay..or as you would call him "Ishmel" lol.
November 25, 2013
It has been a year today dad that you moved on to the lord. Alexcia had her first child on Tuesday 11-12-13. I was overjoyed and saddened that you will not be here to know your great grandson but I know you will watch over him and as you did all of us and that comforts me. I think of you daily and regularly visit you but you know that already. Talk to you soon. One love your deputy son
Jeffrey Jennings
November 14, 2013
I was very surprised that my old friend Roland had passed away. He and I both rode Goldwings and worked at Folsom Prison. I did not know he had died back in November. I kept calling his phone number and sending emails with no response. So I had a friend with Sacto. Sheriff's department Check on him to find out that he had died. We were the same age and both of us retired as TSgt and work and retired as Sergeant from Folsom. Will miss You. Coyt Young at Kathleen, Georgia [email protected]
May 21, 2013
I miss you Dad sooo much, more than words can EVER explain. You instilled so many morals and confidence in me & I will forever be grateful for all that you have taught me. I will continue to teach my son the best way I can. I love you Dad.
If there is ANY Jennings Family or any relation to the family out there, PLEASE CONTACT ME!!
Your ONLY Little Girl
Verela Jennings
Verela Jennings
January 4, 2013
I had the priviledge of meeting Roland through my Son Larry G Broussard in Sacremento. We had a lot in common, as we both served over 20 years in the Air Force. We will cheris those memories. Bruce and Earline Broussard
(Denver, Colorado)
December 5, 2012
Dear Jennings family, pleace accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. I had the priviledge to work with Roland for several years at Folsom. He was a good officer and a great friend. He will be missed. May God bless and confort you all.
Edgar Medina
November 28, 2012
I wish to express my condolonces, i was one of the medics that responded to Mr. Roland. I cant say much, but i can say he appeared to go peacefully in his sleep. His dog wouldnt leave his room. Best wishes
john Doe
November 28, 2012
Jack - Thanks for posting the picture of my cousin. Such a beautiful likeness. My condolences to the children.
Cassandra Minnifield
November 28, 2012
I just wanted to express my condolances, I was one of the medics that responded to mr. Roland.
When we found him there was no sign of pain, he was resting peacefully.
his dog wouldnt leave his side, best wishes.
November 28, 2012
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Patricia W. 2 Cor.1:3-5
November 28, 2012
Dear Jennings Family
Please except my sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved Roland. May all the memories of Roland and all those special times you shared together be of comfort to you now and in the days ahead. Roland was a dear friend and next door neighbor on Feltham way for many years. Roland was a real Gentleman and I will always cherish my memories with him.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Jack Emeney
Jack Emeney
November 28, 2012
My heart goes out to the Jennings family. You are right "BIG DADDY" was larger than life. I will cherise the memories that I have of him. I will truly miss him. Love Your Buffalo Soldier Sister " Lil Mama".
Valerie Crowder
November 27, 2012
To the Jenning's Family,
My sympathy goes out to you and your family at this time. I had the opportunity to visit Roland when he came to Atlanta on his Buffalo Soldier's trip some years ago.
I will cherish those memories and the picture I that I took with him. Your cousin.
Schyla Jackson (Minnifield)
November 27, 2012
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