Photo courtesy of Bradley's Funeral Chapel - Chilhowie
Chilhowie, Virginia
Feb 15, 1957 – Jun 23, 2021 (Age 64)
STATESVILLE, NC/CHILHOWIE, VA
Evangelist Douglas Allen Rowland, 64, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 23, 2021.
Doug was born in Fairfax, Virginia, to the late Douglas L. and Shirley McClure Rowland. Along with his parents, he is also preceded in death by his grandparents Sam and Lucy McClure, Clay and Anna Rowland, and his infant sister Tammy Rowland.
Doug was called to preach at age 17 and attended Liberty Bible Institute in Lynchburg, Virginia. Soon after graduation, Doug met and married the love of his life and best friend Donna Priddy in Lynchburg in 1977. Together their ministry took them to Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Virginia to pastor churches. Doug spent recent years preaching revivals and encouraging believers along the east coast. He recently authored a book based on his life stories and his favorite sermons. Doug loved gospel singing, preaching, his family, and church. His love for the Lord and the Church was evident to all who knew him. A faithful member of Western Avenue Baptist in Statesville, his church will miss their "amen guy." He always had a smile, a joke, or song to share with friends, family, and the strangers he befriended wherever he went.
He is survived by his beautiful bride Donna, daughters Laura Beth Rhodes (Jeremy) and Jennifer (Josh) Thompson, and seven grandchildren Hannah, Benjamin, Levi, Sarah, and Judah Rhodes, and Cameron and Olivia Thompson; brothers Joe (Cindy) Rowland and Jeff (Haley) Rowland; six nieces, three nephews, and 14 great-nieces and nephews. He left behind his faithful dog Sammy.
Funeral services will be held at 5:00pm on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at the Macedonia Baptist Church with Pastor Jerry Eggers and Pastor Andy Lackey officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00-5:00pm on Saturday evening at the church. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie is serving the Rowland Family.
Read MoreCondolences to the Rowland family, especially Doug's mother. Doug's dad(Douglas Sr) and I were best friends at Oak Point School, Adwolfe, VA. when we were 6 to 13 years old. Our families lived close to each other and were good friends. Best of luck and God's speed to the family going forward. I know the Rowland family sang and spread God's word.
george kell
July 24, 2021 | Fayetteville, NC | Friend
Was so sad to hear of the passing of another Rowland family member. I treasure the memories of the Rowland family when they were at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Abingdon, Virginia. But I know there will be a great reunion day in heaven for all of us. God bless and comfort the family.
Suzan Widener
July 02, 2021 | Abingdon, VA | Friend
I just learned of the passing of Dougie and would like to give my sincere condolences for Donna and all of the Rowland family. I was blessed greatly attending Open Door Baptist Church while Dougie and later his dad Doug Sr. were the pastors there. I will always cherish the friendship and love that the Rowland family extended to me during my years living in Rural Retreat. I learned so much about the Bible and Christian fellowship while attending church there. I was blessed beyond measure...
Tommy Rumburg
July 02, 2021 | Copper Hill, VA | Friend
So sorry for your loss! What a great man!
Penny Miller
June 27, 2021 | Emporia, KS | Friend
I was so sad to hear that Doug passed away. He will always hold a special place in my heart. He was always at our high school counseling and looking after us teens. When a good friend died, he was there to help us process her loss. He was the preacher at our wedding and our first pastor as a young couple. His heart was so big and compassionate. LB Rhodes, Jenn, and Donna, please know that you are in my prayers. May Jesus comfort you, provide you peace and surround you in His presence.
Lori Ringley
June 27, 2021 | Friend
We knew Doug & Donna from our "season " living in Statesville, NC. He was a friend & inspiration! I know he will be missed! Prayers to all the family during this difficult time.
Charles & Denise Armstrong
June 26, 2021 | Marion, VA | Friend
Dougie was a pastor and friend . He was a preacher who could preach the word , step on toes , make you laugh and make you cry. My husband and I were married by Dougie in May 2000 in his backyard in Riral Retreat , VA. RIP Dougie. Love Mary philluppi Wright.
mary wright
June 25, 2021 | Wytheville, VA | Friend
The Amen guy. While at Open Door Baptist in Rural Retreat Doug would hold up a sign to remind us to say "AMEN" I made small signs on popsicle sticks and passed them out to the congregation without telling him and we all held our "AMEN" signs high in the air when he did. He laughed until he almost cried and the first words he spoke were "Jim Scott" So he knew me very well. He will be missed by many. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Jim Scott
June 25, 2021 | Wytheville, VA | Friend
Loving Light Dishgarden
Love you sis, Rene
June 25, 2021
