Christopher Rowland

Christopher Rowland Charleston - Christopher Lawrence Rowland, Sr., 86, of Charleston, husband of Patricia Runey Rowland, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, January 31,2016, in Trussville, Alabama. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher L. Rowland, Sr. are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 6, 2016, at Nativity Catholic Church. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday between 5:00 and 7:00 PM at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. A Vigil Service will begin at 6:30 PM Chris Rowland was born January 12,1930, in Charleston, SC., a son of Carl Joseph Rowland and Gertrude Kanapaux Rowland. Chris was a graduate of Murray Vocational School. He was a Korean War Veteran, who honorably served his country as a Boatswains Mate in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Corry and U.S.S. Sierra. He was awarded the Navy Occupation Service Medal and was a rescue swimmer during the U.S.S. Hobson tragedy. After his Naval Service, Chris was employed as an Architect/Draftsman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of the Navy until his retirement in 1986. Chris was a devoted friend, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He married the love of his life, Patricia Runey Rowland, of 63 years, and was a member of the Church of the Nativity. Chris had a passion and gift for woodworking and was known for selflessly helping others. Over the years he was active in the Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts of America and a Bishop England Band Parent. Above all, Chris loved being surrounded by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl J. Rowland and Gertrude K. Rowland, brothers Carl J. Rowland, Jr., Tommy Rowland and Jimmy Rowland. In addition to his sweetheart, Patricia, he is survived by his children: Christopher L. Rowland, Jr. (Susie) of Charleston, Dr. Michael J. Rowland (Terri) of Trussville, Ala., Richard E. Rowland (Pam) of Goose Creek, SC., and Lynn R. Turner (Billy) of James Island, SC., 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, his brothers: Rev., Msgr. Charles H. Rowland, Leroy Rowland (Janis), Leon Rowland (Pat), Ronald Rowland (Nancy); his sister, Eleanor Tolley (Joe), and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. 766-1365 Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston