Robert Hagan Rowland Sr, 76, of Millers Creek, died on Sept. 5, 2017, after suffering complications from a head injury.

He was born on Dec. 18, 1940, in Mocksville to George Wilder Rowland and Virginia Hagan Rowland, both deceased.   

Survivors: his siblings, George Edward Rowland of Newport News, Va., Philip Wilder Rowland of Charlotte, and Jane Rowland Stratford Kelly of Pawleys Island, S.C.;  his 4 children, Amelia Ellen Rowland Nichols of Charlotte, Emily Ann Rowland Roberson of Advance, Robert Hagan Rowland Jr. of Kansas City and Elizabeth Pleasant Rowland Davis of Boomer; 8 grandchildren, Jessica Amelia Nichols, Austin Gregory Nichols, Larry Craig Roberson III, Colby Wilder Roberson, Adrianna Nicole Rowland, Barney Michael Davis, Hunter Aikman Davis and Madison Hope Davis.

He graduated from Lenoir Rhyne College in 1963 with a degree in business. While there, he was the first “Joe Bear” mascot, as well as was on the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, where he was vice president his senior year. Later, he served on the alumni board for Lenoir Rhyne, as well as donated funds to support athletic renovations in the name of “Joe Bear.” He served in the Army Reserves in his early life, starting with the ROTC in Lenoir Rhyne. He served from 1962-1968. He started in banking, working as an accountant the majority of his life, retiring from Wilkes Electric. He was an active member of Wilkes Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School for many years. He also devoted a portion of his time and energy to the Wilkes Civitans, where he served as president for many years. He was a faithful father, dedicating many hours to driving four kids around to activities and sporting events. He traveled as needed to support the many moves and other needs of 4 children and 8 grandchildren. He had a rather rare sense of humor, which you almost had to be related to him to understand. He taught his children to play chess, play cards, and to be faithful in the right things to do. Later in life, he had many pets, all of whom he was attached and loved as much as he loved them. Boscoe will be cared for by Hagan.

A memorial reception was hosted at Reins Sturdivant on Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 5-7 p.m. There will be a private ceremony by his family at the graveside at Rose Cemetery in Mocksville.

Memorials: Piedmont Animal Rescue, 228 E. Waterlynn Road, Mooresville, 28117; or Lenoir Rhyne Endowment Fund, 625 7th Ave NE, Hickory, 28601.

Condolences: www.reinssturdivant.com.