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Jerry Rowland Obituary
Jerry L. Rowland, 69, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on Monday April 15, 2019 after a brief illness.
Friends may call on Friday, April 26, 2019 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at First Apostolic Faith Church, 790 Easter Ave., Akron, OH 44307. Funeral service will immediately follow, Pastor Lorenzo Glenn eulogizing. Interment, Glendale Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to 1745 Kingsley Ave. Akron, OH 44313.
330-836-2725
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Rowland
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
Char Cannon
May 25, 2019
Wow what a great man! Deepest condolences to Rochelle and Morgan.
TINA CHEATHAM
May 1, 2019
Jerry thanks for everything job well done..
Shirley Washington
April 27, 2019
Family...as many have said -J Rowland stood for the values of life that he taught young and old in his many encounters. He always brought a sense of respect from and to the young people. I worked with him in many community projects. He could be counted on as we strive to make the world a better place..for that, we in West Akron have been blessed. Thanks for sharing his living.
Antonio Hakeem
April 26, 2019
We love and miss you J Row..... Tone tone.
Bonnie Arnold-Davis
April 26, 2019
Sending condolences and prayers to the Rowland family.
Bonnie Arnold-Davis
Anita (Anderson) Wilkson
April 26, 2019
Jerry, I will miss that big hug you always gave me when we would see each other over the years. I will truly miss you my friend. Sincerity & love
D Gaines
April 26, 2019
My prayers are with family, he will be greatly missed .
Terrance Parker
April 26, 2019
Thank you Jerry for everything you have done for our community. Thanks for giving us somewhere to go to fulfill our dreams of playing basketball. You will forever be missed. RIP
Helen, Rubin & Family
April 26, 2019
To Rochelle and family, May the Lord continue to be with you in your time of need. We love you and you're always in our prayers.
April 26, 2019
Sending condolences to the family, keep the family in prayer, May God Bless. Deborah Solomon
Gloria Redding (Cannon-Watkins)
April 26, 2019
I offer my heartfelt condolences. Jerry was a wonderful guy and a great Buchtel High School friend.
Well done - God Bless!
Chelle Jeffries McNabb
April 26, 2019
Please accept our deepest sympathy and our sincerest condolences Rochelle ❤ ... From The Jeffries family!!! We love you ... God be with you as you travel through this difficult time!!! But God.
Earl Jenkins
April 26, 2019
J. Row will be miss forever my condolences to the family and may God continue to bless you ....
Sandra Bell Duckworth
April 26, 2019
To Rochelle and the Rowland family
We will truly miss Jerry and his birthday calls to Ron arguing about whose the oldest; and of course Jerry would be the oldest. Hold dear your memories of him and the time you had together for they are precious.
The Lord is your strength and shield; your heart trust in Him, and He helps you. Take encouragement in your time of need that God has your back and know that Jerry is fine now.
Donna Felton
April 25, 2019
To Rochelle and family. We are so sorry for your loss. May God be with you in your time of sorrow. Terry and Donna Felton
Kurtiss Blount
April 25, 2019
Be Blessed Family... Rowland was a good Man!
Samuel Walker
April 25, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Charles Small
April 25, 2019
So long my friend.
God bless the family.
Cory Sharkey
April 25, 2019
J- Ro, man youll be missed.... One of Akrons legends, you were a friend and mentor to many. Theres always a void when you lose someone, Jerry was so important to so many..1love J-Ro
Condolences to the family.
Kkm Dokes
April 24, 2019
To Rochelle and the Rowland family, we are so sorry to hear of Jerry's passjng. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time. Kim Dokes and Family
Gwendolyn Poole-Chambers
April 24, 2019
To the family of Jerry Rowland. We are surely going to miss Jerry. We, my brothers and I are saddened by his passing. We go all the way back before BHS. He was a few years after my class, but he was one of the finest schoolmates at BHS. He shared himself with kids today - how to be and do their best. He was warm, friendly, and a gentleman. Thank you J Rowland for being the man you grew to be. We are at a loss, but family, know that he was loved and respected. God bless you all.
Kymberly Mccraney
April 24, 2019
A good man who will be truly missed. May the Lord be with the family during this time.
Lori, Billy and Lee Holmgren
April 24, 2019
G.O.A.T. Coach Jerry! From the moment my family stepped foot in Ed Davis until the last time I was in there to watch his grandson Zavi play, he always had a smile, hug, invite for event, gift, or words of wisdom to offer. My heart is broken thinking of our community's loss, our children's loss. What an example he set for everyone to live by. He truly did make this world a better place and I pray his legacy can live on through the lives of all of us whom were blessed to have known him. To his personal family... he was SO very proud of you and talked about you all the time! To his Ed Davis family... he loved you like his own! My prayers are with you all. With a grateful heart.
John Autry
April 24, 2019
Rih my friend I will miss our talks and friendship
The Ross Family
April 24, 2019
God's Grace and Mercy Endures Forever
The Ross Family extends their deepest Sympathy and Love.
Charles Mingo
April 24, 2019
JRow we go miss you ma brotha! Our prayers are with The Rowland Family.
Robert & Kitty Ford
April 24, 2019
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
By Lamaretta Simmons
Julia Gilbert
April 24, 2019
The measure of a man. That's what you were and you will be very much miss. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Denise Brandon
April 24, 2019
The Brandon Family would like to express our sincere condolences to Rochelle and Morgan and Jerry's entire family during this difficult time. Jerry was a great mentor to many people in Akron and he will be missed!
Min.Sarah Watkins
April 24, 2019
My friend and my brother ,I will greatly miss you. And to the Rowland family, you are in my prayers.
Larry Weigle
April 23, 2019
When I first heard have Jerry's passing, I immediately thought of what a great basketball player he was. That is a small part of his story. Jerry made the lives of others better. He left the world better than he found it because he cared about the feeling of others. I remember him as talented, kind, competitive, and invariably smiling. Jerry Rowland was a good man.
Richard Turner
April 23, 2019
Going to.miss you coachaka uncle jerry
Peggy Hunt
April 23, 2019
Rest In Peace my friend.You will surely be miss by all God Bless your family
Tina Marie Harris-Smith
April 23, 2019
Gone but not forgotten. You will truly be missed. RIP my friend.
Rea Jones
April 23, 2019
I want to send my deepest condolences to the Rowland families i have had the pleasure of knowing J.Row over 40 years when he became the building Director at Joy Park he was my friend,my bro and he will be truly missed R.I.P J.Row lol. Rea Jones.
Toni Skipper
April 22, 2019
My Deepest Condolences to All The Family and Loved Ones of Our Dear Departed. Jerry Rowland was A True Nobleman of his Generation. He Will be Missed Greatly and Affectionately Remembered.
Grace & Peace
Roy Humphrey
April 22, 2019
For the time you came to West Jr. High and got 57 point playing with the teacher the the story we always share--heck of a model for people around you----save spot on that other side team count me in---just not yet---peace be with you and your family HU MP!
Ava Littlejohn
April 21, 2019
I'm going to miss our family get togethers and family support when we had difficult times: you and Rochelle were always there for us! Now you're free from this rat race out here! Fly and be free and enjoy Heaven as you've put your work in and earned your wings! Love you forever my brother!
Gilda Liggins
April 20, 2019
To the Family of Jerry.
As someone said words cannot truly Express what an impact he had on so many young people. My son's father passed when he was very young and to have a great roll model when he was old enough to do sports meant so much to me.
GOD bless his whole family and be very proud of the man he was.
Ron /Sandra Duckworth
April 20, 2019
Jerry, we competed in grade school, jr.high,we have been friends since 5th.grade. I am happy for our conversations the last 3 months talking about retirement. I will miss you my friend, hold a spot for me,we got next for 2 on 2.! Prayers for the family. 'Duck' !
Clarence Kaiser
April 20, 2019
My prayers for Lil Jerry, Javon and the family may God lift you in his arms. Jerry was a great leader that would give me great input as I ran the youth football program in Akron he will be missed
FRANK FITZGERALD
April 20, 2019
R.I.P
Lawrence Richardson
April 19, 2019
To the family of Jerry Rowland. So sorry to hear of Jerry' passing. I graduated from Buchtel with Jerry in '68. I was a transfer student in our junior year from Gary, Indiana. Jerry was in my homeroom. As a 'newbie' I was nervous about coming into a school so late in the process. Jerry made me feel welcome and helped me to feel like I belonged. Even though he was a 'star' athlete, he never carried himself as if he was any different than anyone else. Always an easy smile and willingness to laugh and have a good time. At the 50 year reunion last year, we laughed at my old nickname of 'cookieman'. Brought back many good memories. I know he will be missed by the West Akron community and by the many classmates that shared the halls of Buchtel High. RIP my friend. Gone too soon.
Senitra Bogan
April 19, 2019
GENUINE LOVING GENTLEMAN ❤❤❤❤❤❤ I Pray for strength and comfortness for his family
Kenneth & Allison Smith
April 19, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. *Legend*
Ray Vaughn
April 19, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family. Jerry was a huge part of the Akron sports community and influenced most of the kids he came in contact with. Jerry was a part of my life for over 40 yrs. He will be missed. RIP my good friend.
Esther Smith
April 19, 2019
To the Family of Mr.Jerry Rowland you have my condolences and prayers in the passing of your loved one.God bless you all.
Stanley & Peachy Washington I
April 19, 2019
To Rochelle and Family I was sorry to hear of Jerry's passing he was a good dude who I enjoyed knowing he was always willing to help any one out at any time we played a lot of ball at Ed Davis and the pool he is gone but not forgotten GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Cecil Duckworth
April 19, 2019
Jerry Rowland was a true giant in our community , a great man an leader , family man , who genuine cared for others , my friend you will be sadly miss but your legacy will live on because of the impact you had in others lives , my heart weighs heavy an I extend my deepest condolence to the Rowland Family , your all in my prayers RIP. J RO
Linda Hadden-Robinson
April 19, 2019
I have known Jerry for many years. We graduated in the class of 68 at Buchtel High School. There would be years before i would see him. My granddaughter began to take dance at the Ed Davis Community Center. This afforded me the opportunity to see Jerry every Saturday for the past 4 years. He always had a easy smile and a hug whenever we would see each other. He was a gracious man who valued everyone. He will truly be missed.
Prayers for his family in this difficult time.
April 19, 2019
TO THE ROWLAND FAMILY . MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS TO ALL OF YOU AT THIS TIME OF LOSS OF THIS GREAT MAN. JERRY WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS A GREAT FAMILY MAN, TEACHER , BASKETBALL ICON AND JUST A GREAT FRIEND TO ALL. PHILLIP EDWARDS (PXM) 44307
Gordon Garrett
April 19, 2019
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Jerry Rowland. He was truly impactful to the lives of many. The true measure of a man can never be associated with the accumulation of wealth, but more importantly the impact that you have on others. Jerry provided me with my first job as a youth camp counselor at Ed Davis Community Center when I was a High School Junior ('77). He truly epitomized the saying "That in order to be a man, you have to see a man". His infectious personality and unwavering concern for the youth of West Akron will always be remembered. The time that I spent under his tutelage created the framework for my current level of success. He left an indelible imprint, not only in my life, but also in the lives of all who knew him. Rest in Peace J-Row aka "The Shah".
Ron Shuler
April 19, 2019
Jerry words can not say what you ment to this community the young lives youev touched over the years,the positive influence that have made the difference in young adults over the years,who can fill that very large hole? Our friendship over the years has taught me a lot about giving back and caring about people, truly a great man, a legend in our community. I will miss you, the community will never be the same. RIP JERRY.
Ava Littlejohn
April 19, 2019
I will truly miss Jerry as he was like a big brother to me and my family! I loved him and I cherish the family ties I share with his beautiful wife (Rochelle) and beautiful daughter (Morgan). May God provide peace and strength to the family at this time! Love always, Ava & Ravone (Bay) Littlejohn...
Timothy Prince
April 19, 2019
Rest in peace Mr. Jerry Rowland. You couldn't have been a kid in west akron growing up whether you played sports or not going into ed davis gym. Jerry was a great man, father figure, mentor and friend, raised a lot of boys and girls and taught them how to be men and women. You will truly be missed, was a blessing for me to have known you as a child and a pleasure for me to have worked for you and along side you as an adult. I pray that God watches over his entire family. Akron Legend J-ROW. Sincerely Tim Prince Sr.
Marty Sires
April 18, 2019
I was saddened to hear of Jerrys passing. Jerry was so important to so many on the West Side. Me included. Rest In Peace my brother.
Marilyn D.
April 18, 2019
Where is the model for manhood some folks might ask.
There is none, but there are informal ones, and I observed one most of my early teens and through my Sleek Graceful Years.
In our day to day routines and visits to Ed Davis and Perkins Pool..there was Mr. Jerry Rowland, the same today, yesterday and always.
Due to the lack of a formal invitation to manhood and not to exclude womanhood, there was Mr. Rowland, my brothers / sisters keeper.
He lived it everyday, he was beyond The Status Quo!
Mr. Rowland inspired others and was a caring soul. From accepting and mentoring Summer Youth Workers; for 8 long weeks, he was willing to bend backwards to giving some of them 2nd chance.
You only get one shot at This life and Mr. Jerry Rowland gave everything he could. Rest Easy....my faithful servant.
Yet
April 18, 2019
God's plan for the man who needs no introduction. Be Blessed Family
Debbie Williams
April 18, 2019
Joyce and family, so sorry to hear about the passing of your brother Jerry. I am sure he will be greatly missed by your family. He was always teasing us when we were in college,...like most little brothers.... having a great sense of humor and joy!! May your family always be blessed.
Henry Cabby Smith
April 18, 2019
Over the last thirty years or so made a point to always stop by Ed Davis when in town to see Jerry.Great to see someone from the neighborhood giving back. Nothing but respect for the man that won in the game of life not just basketball. My condolences to the entire Rowland family.
Rachel Taylor
April 18, 2019
I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for the family!!
kamora putnam
April 18, 2019
I always saw u in the office at ED Davis and u stopped to talk to me and my big sister u will be missed even tho we barely talked u knew my mom she had her baby shower at ED Davis.
Chandra Long
April 18, 2019
My thoughts and Prayers are with The Rowland family. May you RiH
Michael Ayers
April 18, 2019
Jerry, I am honored and privileged to have been a friend from the age of 11 and a former teammate of yours at Buchtel High. I will always remember the time you called and surprised me one Christmas a few years ago and lifted my spirits as I was recovering from an illness, thank you for your thoughtfulness and compassion. You were a legend on the court and in life and a role model for so many. You will definitely be missed here on earth, however I know you were called for even greater endeavors on the other side. To the family I offer words of encouragement and say do not be sad, be happy for such a great human being to have been a part of your lives.
April 17, 2019
To the family of Jerry we all have a memory of him from the community not just EdDavis.Jerry has done so much for so many families . God comfort your family and keep his memories alive.
The Lewis Family
Moeller Ave.44307
Cathy Mitchell-Butler
April 17, 2019
My condolences to the Rowland family,
I had the privilege of being Jerry's first (sec) secretary as he called me after Mr.Ray Wells retired. We had great fun working together and he was an outstanding community leader. RIP J ROW. Much love .
DEBRA COLLINS-LOGAN
April 17, 2019
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Jerry, he was such a great man and he will truly be missed. "RIP"
Danny Thomas
April 17, 2019
To all of Jerrys family; My wife and I are so sorry for your loss. He impressed many of the younger athletes in the Akron area to continue their education by making the effort to show their talents at different Universities. He showed a strong attachment in helping the community. The respect he had was better than a key to the city. He was my friend, my mentor, and every ones inspiration. I will miss him.
Danny Thomas and Family.
Eleanor
April 17, 2019
Ed Davis is missing a legend it won't be the same without him. RIP Jerry
Valerie Bickley and Family
April 17, 2019
Sending our prayers and condolences to Jerry's loved one
Rick Adler
April 17, 2019
It is so rare in life to meet a living legacy, Jerry was that and so much more. Bigger than life, justifiably proud of lives changed and a community shaped by his work. I feel privileged to have known him, worked with him briefly and to have walked the halls and gym at Jerrys house, otherwise known as Ed Davis Community Center. My prayers go out to his family and everyone touched my this great man!
Charles Jenkins
April 17, 2019
Sorry To Here Of The Passing Of A Very Good Friend Of Mine ,And Countless Others. Truly A Akron Legend! J. Row Will Be Deeply Missed! Rest Easy, You've Earned Your Wings! Sending my Prayers And Deepest Condolences To The Rowland Family!
FRANK FITZGERALD
April 17, 2019
R I P JR
Jimmy Decoulos
April 17, 2019
Jerry was a great guy and friend at West and Buchtel, he knew his talents exceeded everyone but never rubbed it anyones face, RIP.
April 17, 2019
RIP Jerry. You were a big star on the basketball court, but you were a bigger star in the community. I always respected you for the work you did and the thousands of kids, including my son, that you helped mold at Ed Davis. Your impact will be missed. Robert Hurr
Pat Norment
April 17, 2019
Prayers and condolences to the Rowland family. I worked with Jerry at Ed Davis when the center first opened. Over the years, I watched him interact with the kids and adults that came in contact with him. He truly inspired so many people in our community throughout the years and I know that he will be missed by many. Rest in Paradise Jerry! You have earned your wings!
Marv Hodges
April 17, 2019
For over 50 years Jerry was an easy man to look up to. From the basketball court in high school to a variety of community events, he will be missed!
Charles Vinson
April 17, 2019
I want to thank you for what you did for the West Side and Davis community. Thank you for teaching us how to grow into men, giving us advice and just being there when we needed a friend. Whether it be opening up the gym, cracking jokes or teaching us how to play pool. You were always a stand up guy. Thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
Charles Vinson
Steven and Tiffany Gray
April 17, 2019
Tiffany and I are going to miss you OG. May God bless your family through this tough time!!
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