Gary Leon Rowland

Memorial Video

Gary Leon Rowland, 68, of Jonesboro passed from this life Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born to Robert Sr. and Dorothy Rowland on October 22, 1949 in Cotton Plant, AR.

Gary has resided in the Jonesboro area since 1992 after coming from Newport. He graduated from Augusta High School in 1968. Gary served in the United States Army from 1968 till 1971 during the Vietnam War. He was self employed in the construction business throughout his entire life. Gary was a long time member of Church of God of Prophecy. Gary was also very active in his community, while being a volunteer firefighter in Diaz for seven years and superintendent of the water department of Diaz throughout the 80’s. He was the commander of the American Legion Post 53 for two years. Gary was an avid bowler in the 70’s and 80’s and loved playing pool at the American Legion and also won a state pool tournament. Most of all Gary enjoyed taking his grandkids fishing, hunting, and on camping trips, while also enjoying spending time wood working.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, one sister: Brenda DuPre; and his twin sisters: Glenda and Linda Rowland.

Gary is survived by his wife, Hellen Rowland, of 43 years of marriage, of the home; mother Dorothy Rowland of Step Rock; two sons; Eric (Natoshia) Rowland of Savannah, GA and Brian (Kelly) Avance of Judsonia; one daughter: DeeDee (Roxy) Crawford of Bono; five brothers: Robert Rowland Jr. of Searcy, Ray DuPre of Smyrna, TN, Tom Jones of OR, Les (Sara) Jones of CA, and Arvil (Karen) Jones of Newport; three sisters: Carolyn (Mike) West of Searcy, Carol (Herbert) Huckabee of Newport, and Alma (Ron) Luper of Jonesboro; grandchildren: Tara Fivecoat, Miranda (Josh) Reeves, Lexie Avance,     Nicolas Ladd, Brandon Neldon, Daegen Spicer, Jaden Rowland, Omourie Rowland, Maddie Stuart, Farrah McGuire, and Faith McGuire; great grandchildren: Addie Porter, Zaine Moss, Caiden Reeves, and Bailor Reeves; and one adopted granddaughter: Laura Greenhaw.

A visitation will be from 3-5 pm Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Emerson Funeral Home.

A funeral service will follow at 5pm Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Emerson Funeral Home with Steven Dew and Lloyd Black officiating. Honorary pallbearers will include the American Legion Post 53, Mike Roberts, Herbert Huckabee, Ron Luper, Arvil Jones, Les Jones, Tom Jones, Heath Neldon and Mike West.

For lasting memorials family asks to consider donations to the South Caraway Baptist Church: 3707 S Caraway Rd, Jonesboro, AR 72404 .

The family would like to thank the Memphis V.A. Hospital Palliative Care Department, the V.A. Oncology Department, St. Bernard’s Palliative Care, and St. Bernards Hospice.

The family would like the extent a special thanks to St. Bernards Hospice nurse Patty Melton and Memphis VA Dr. Philippe Prouet for going above and beyond.