William Rowland

Published 12:00 am Friday, October 2, 2009

William J. Rowland
WINDSOR—William Joseph Rowland, 85, died Sept. 30, 2009.
A native of Norfolk, he was the son of the late Luther George Rowland and Florence Ellen Corrigan Rowland and was also predeceased by his beloved wife, Annabel Lilly Rowland.
Mr. Rowland was a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served his country in World War II, serving in the Atlantic and Pacific and the Korean War.
After having retired from civil service as an engine mechanic at Naval Air Station, he took care of maintenance on commercial property for Nusbaum Realty Co.
Survivors include four daughters, Billie Jo Lamb of Suffolk, Ellen R. Lesoine of Franklin, Effie L. Long of Windsor and Florence A. Smith of San Angelo, Texas; four sons, William A. Rowland of Windsor, Linwood E. Rowland of Portsmouth, William J. Rowland Jr. of Windsor and Steven C. Rowland of Windsor; 14 grandchildren, Cindy, Marvetta, Henry, Andrew, Patricia, Sandra, Ronnie, Jennifer, Donnie Jr., Shannon, Jason, Jeremy, Brian and Tory; 21 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Sadie Day of Oklahoma; many nieces, nephews and friends which were too many to mention, but certainly not forgotten.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Norfolk, Saturday at noon with the Rev. Mark Habecker officiating.
Friends may join the family today at Parr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk, from 7 to 8 p.m. for visitation.
Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.