Isaac Russell Roland, Jr.

Isaac, or better known as “Ike”, passed peacefully from this life the morning of July 16th after a sudden decline in health. He was surrounded and supported by his loving family and caregivers during the last days of his life. Isaac was born in Nashville, TN to Isaac R. Roland, Sr. and Annie Lena Mays Roland (both deceased).He grew up in West Nashville where he was educated in the public school system. While attending Pearl High School he took part in athletics, lettered in football and sang with the mixed Glee Club. He later went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education and his Masters Degree in Education from Tennessee State University. He was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi.He united with Christ in his early years at First Baptist Church, West Nashville where he sang with the West Nashville and Hallelujah Choirs. Presently his membership is with Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church where he served in several capacities which includes Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent of Sunday School, and Chairman of the Board of Christian Education, Senior Choir Member, Men’s Singing Group and Laymen League President.Isaac answered the call of his country, the 1956 draft, and served in the U.S. Army with the Elite 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, NC, where he earned the Airborne Wings and completed eleven jumps. He was selected and marched in the Inauguration parade for President Eisenhower as one of the “All American Honor Guard.”He began his professional career in 1960 as an educator at Carter-Lawrence Elementary School. Later he was appointed as teacher of science and coach of football at Rose Park Junior High School. Some of his team members produced leadership and talent that assisted in successful football programs at Pearl and Cameron Senior High Schools and contributed to programs at Fisk, Harvard and Tennessee State Universities. Additionally he taught science at John T. Moore and Neely’s Bend Middle School. He was later assigned to Antioch High School and taught health and science and worked as the assistant coach of Junior Varsity football and wrestling. In 1994 he joined the Second Education Opportunity (SEO) Program at Stratford High School as the Science Coordinator. He retired from Metro Public School in 1999.Before retiring in 1999, he developed a small venture called “Personal Creations” A dream that produced personalized T-shirts and other items for schools, churches and families. Along with other Pearl High alumni he designed and produced the “Historic Pearl High Centennial” T-shirt.Isaac was blessed by being married to JoAnna Thornton Roland for thirty years who loved and supported him over the years. He was gifted with three wonderful daughters and a son. Constance M. Reese (deceased), Donna F. Roland Coleman, Doretha D. (Darren) Dyson, and Isaac R. Roland III (deceased). Three grandchildren: Aaron (Corrie) Coleman, Deanna M. Coleman, and Dorrean V. Dyson; a sister, Cortez Roland Gardner, two nieces, Karen Cheatham and Sheila Rathmann, three nephews, James (Francine) Charter, Eric Cheatham and Rashad Thornton lovingly referred to as “God Son”, three brother-in-laws, Howard, William (Earnestine), and Ronald (Linda) Thornton. Several devoted relatives in Nashville and Detroit, Michigan and many special friends.MISS ME, BUT LET ME GOWhen I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room, why cry for a soul set free! Miss me a little, but not for long and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared, miss me, but let me go. For this journey that we all must take and each must go alone; it’s all a part of the Master’s plan, a step on the road to home. When you’re lonely and sick at heart, go to the friends we know and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me, but let me go.

 

 

ServicesPublic ViewingFriday, July 25, 201412 Noon – 6:00 p.m.atJ. W. Adkins Funeral Home2510 12th Avenue SouthNashville, TN 37204VisitationSaturday, July 26, 201411:00 am – 12 NoonatPleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church1410 Jefferson StreetNashville, TN 37208Celebration of Life ServicesSaturday, July 26, 201412 NoonatPleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church1410 Jefferson StreetNashville, TN 37208 Pastor E. Christopher Jackson, OfficiatingIntermentNashville National CemeteryGallatin RoadMadison, TN

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