William Roland Douglas

On April 28, 1943, the late Roland and Thelma Hayes Douglas welcomed the first child of ten children into this world in Somerville, Tennessee. They named him Roland Douglas, Jr., however his name was later changed to William Roland to include the name of Roland Ses. brother the late William Douglas.

Roland Jr. grew up in Fayette County where he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at the Mt. Olive C.M.E. Church. He was formally educated in the public schools of Fayette County and later received his GED at Tennessee State University. Jr., Junie, Slim, Doug, Pimp, Old School or Roland (he answered to all of the names}, loved his family as well as his friends and he looked out for all because he was the oldest and thought that gave him privileges.

Jr. left home at an early age and moved to Memphis seeking another way of life other than farming. He left behind his soulmate, Louise Holloway, but returned later for her to make her his wife for a lifetime. Jr. and Louise had three daughters and a bonus son. He worked for the Cleo Wrap Paper Company for more than 20 plus years and later bought a market in North Memphis located at the corner of Olympic and Voltontine.

Fascinated with pretty clothes, Jr. was a self-made model in his own rights, preferring tailor-made suits, Stacey Adam shoes and fancy shirts. He loved pretty cars and social events that allowed him to display his wardrobe. In addition, he was a compassionate, wise and self-motivated guy in all his efforts to elevate his family's standard of living.

Roland Jr. leaves his legacy of love, a loving wife Louise Holloway Douglas; four daughters, Vavelia Ann (Nicholas} Douglas of Illinois, Angela Moore, Markeita (Sidney} Douglas, Tanikki Douglas, and Bonus daughters Adrienne Parker and Vita Dandrige all of Memphis, Tennessee; three sons Rodney Douglas, Devin (Courtney} Douglas, Cordaro Douglas, and Bonus Son Cedric Douglas all of Memphis, Tennessee; four sister, Velma (Joe} Jones, Patricia Whitmore, Mae Lois (Billy}Wilson of Nashville, Tennessee and Mary Atkins of Chicago, Illinois; aunt, Juanita Jones, Chicago, Ill., two first cousins, Lorene Morton Champion and Altafaye Douglas Bailey; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, friends, one special Stuart (Shontel} White of Somerville, Tennessee. Roland Jr. was preceded in death by his son Dedric Douglas, parents Roland and Thelma Douglas, 5 brothers William Earl Howard, John Smith, Oliver, CameII and Terry Lane Douglas and one sister Julie Lynn Douglas.

Jr. you will be missed. This world is a better place because.-U lived. Until we all meet again, rest our beloved William Roland Douglas.