James Watis "J.W." Rowland

Mr. James Watis “J.W.” Rowland, age 91 of Douglas, Ga. (formerly of Pearson, Ga.) passed away Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Southern Senior Living in Douglas, Ga. following an extended illness.   A native of Millwood, Ga., Mr. Rowland was born December 28, l926, son of David Webb and Bertha Taft Rowland. He had made his home in the Pearson area for most of his life. He was a painter by trade and a U. S. Army veteran of World War II. In his younger days, he enjoyed dog hunting and later enjoyed working in his garden. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Swafford Rowland, a son, Damon Rowland and a grandson, Damon Watis Rowland, Jr..   Survivors include: 2 Daughters: Charlotte Hodge of Douglas, Ga.                         Judy Ray and husband Daniel of Douglas, Ga.   Brother: David Rowland of Valdosta, Ga   4 Grandchildren: Bryan Moore, Brandi Burke, Shanna Skinner, and Chap Hodge.   8 Great-Grandchildren, 2 Great-Great Grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.   Graveside funeral services for Mr. Rowland were held on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Pearson, Ga. with Bro. Tracy Burke officiating. Eulogies were given by his daughters, Charlotte Hodge and Judy Ray. Special musical selections were “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art” rendered by Tracy Burke who accompanied himself on the guitar. The interment followed in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery with Military Honors rendered by an Honor Guard contingent from Ft. Stewart, Ga.   Serving as active pallbearers were: Bryan Moore, Chap Hodge, Blake Moore, Dan Ray, Adam Torres, and Tracy Burke.   Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.