Roland R. Ream

Roland R. Ream
Grand Rapids, Michigan
July 30, 2021
Dr. Roland Raphael Ream age 85 of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away peacefully Friday, July 30 , 2021, at Mercy Health St. Mary's with his family by his side. Roland was born to Rev. Raphael and Vonda Ream June 5, 1936, in Cedar Springs, Michigan. He graduated from high school in 1954 from Evart Public Schools. He attended Spring Arbor College and received his BS degree from Ferris State University. He went on and attended Michigan State University receiving his MA and PhD degrees. In 1965 he married Shirley Stein of Evart and was married for nearly 56 years. Roland taught for a total of 47 years first at Davenport University for 8 years in the Accounting Department and also serving as the Athletic Director and then retiring after 39 years as a full professor in the College of Business at Ferris State University. His love for gardening and lawn work utilizing his John Deere tractors consumed much of his time along with many home improvement projects. His faith in God was great and his commitment was strong, teaching adult Sunday school classes, leading singing, serving on boards and committees in the Free Methodist Church, along with helping his father during his ministerial years. A good son, husband, brother, and friend all of his life. Roland is preceded in death by his parents Rev. Raphael and Vonda Ream, and brother-in-law Jerry Stein. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Shirley, his brother and wife, Marland and Deana Ream, and sister-in-law, Eva Stein, nephew Jeff Stein (Kathy), nieces Jerilynn Rhodes (Bruce), and Julie Cole (Loren), and many great nieces and nephews. The celebration of Roland's life will be held Wednesday, August 4 at 11:00 am at the Grand Rapids International Fellowship Church located at 3765 Kalamazoo Ave., SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with interment in the Highland View cemetery in Big Rapids, Michigan at 4:00 pm Wednesday afternoon. Viewing will be Tuesday, August 3 from 4-8 pm at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI. 49546, as well as an hour prior to the service at church on Wednesday morning. Memorials in honor of Roland may be sent to Free Methodist World Missions, in care of New Hope Free Methodist Church, 5665 Eastern Avenue, Kentwood, MI, 49508; Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook St., SE, #300, Grand Rapids, MI. 49546; or to The Gideons International, PO Box 7472 Grand Rapids, MI 49510.