Gretna…..Thurman Edward Rowland, age 83 of 5141 Deerview Road, Gretna died Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at Salem VA Medical Center.
Born October 25, 1928 in Pittsylvania County, he was a son of the late John Thomas Rowland and Belle Pickeral Rowland. He was predeceased by four brothers, Billy Rowland, Andrew Rowland, Berkley Rowland, and Alvis Rowland; and one sister, Doris Trent. Mr. Rowland was a member of First Southern Baptist Church, and a retired foreman for the Lane Company. He was an Army Sgt. Combat Veteran of the Korean Conflict; and a member of DAV Chapter 46, VFW Post 873; and he loved to fish, and hunt.
He is survived by his wife, Doris E. Rowland of the residence; two sons, Randy E. Rowland and his wife, Terri of Gretna, Richard T. Rowland and his wife, April of Gretna; three daughters, Ulrike Mattox and her husband, R.L., Jr. of Hurt, Barbara Ann Nichols and her husband, John of Clear Lake Shores, TX, and Betty Jean Pemberton of Cotton Dale, AL; one brother, Shirley A. Rowland of Hurt; one sister, Vera Witcher of Sandy Level; five grandchildren, Kole Mihalick, Christmas Joy Abbott, Christopher Thurman Abbott, R.L. Mattox III, and Summer Mckenna Rowland; one great-grandchild, Chase Mahalick; and special friends, Dennis Hall, and Mike Wolfe.
Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 16, 2011 at Colbert-Moran Chapel by Rev. Bobby Brumfield, and Rev. Chris Brooks. Burial with Military Honors by the Virginia National Guard Honor Guard will follow in Carl O. Moran Memorial Garden.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2011 at Colbert-Moran Funeral Home and other times will be at the residence.
Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.