Walter Matthew "Buddy" Rowland, Jr.

Walter Matthew "Buddy" Rowland, Jr., passed away suddenly at his home on Sunday, March 17, 2013. A lifelong Floridian, Buddy was born on December 28, 1944 in Miami and grew up in the Zephyrhills/Dade City area. He was 68. Buddy was a savvy businessman, and a loving father, grandfather and friend. He was a man's man who was liked by everyone and one whose advice was welcomed whether in the bank directors meeting, in the shop or in the cow pens. He loved life and truly lived it to the fullest. It didn't matter whether you were a U.S. Senator or a cowboy. He had an uncanny ability to repair, whether it was mechanical or electrical – all of which contributed to his success in many areas including running three dairies, a ranching operation and building and running a very successful trucking business. While he would take a cruise, hunting trips, as well as enjoying snow skiing, his real ideal "vacation" was going to North Carolina and helping his lifelong friend, Bub Hyder, with his farm and ranch.
He is survived by son Doc Hyder and wife Kennis; his daughter, Dina Bardin and husband Dick; his son Dusty Rowland and wife Kristy; and grandchildren, Bailey Bardin (age 8), Natalie Rowland (age 6), Davis Bardin (age 4), Trent Rowland (age 4), Lovett Hyder (age 3), Bo Hyder (age 3) and Blake Rowland (age 1); sister Rita Rucks and brother-in-law Neil Rucks; Dale Terry, who was with Buddy for 31 years, and her son Troy Shellenbarger, wife Shelley and their children Andrew (age 16), Morgan (age 13), Ben (age 9), and Ella (age 2); several nieces and nephews and many cherished lifelong friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Rowland, Sr. and Erma Rowland; brother, Marvin Rowland; and sister, Patricia Brown. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 22nd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hodges Funeral Home on Hwy 301 in Dade City. Services will be held on Saturday, March 23rd at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Dade City. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Charles Waller, Bub Hyder, Tony Abraham, Billy Lane, Billy Scharber and Dickie Geiger.
The family invites all friends and family to a celebration of his life immediately following services at San Antonio Civic Center, 11609 Boys Village Dr., San Antonio, FL, 33576. In lieu of flowers, please consider Hernando Pasco Hospice, 37445 Clinton Ave, Dade City, FL 33525.