James Oliver Rowland

James Oliver Rowland, a cherished pillar of Lincoln County, Georgia, and a beacon of unwavering dedication and love to his family entered into rest on Monday, December 16, 2024 at his residence.

Born on October 30, 1927, to Claude Oliver and Mary Jane "Janie" Hall Rowland, James was the 8th of 14 children who learned life's lessons amidst the corn and cotton fields of his daddy's farm near Soap Creek. It was here, while plowing a mule among other labor intensive tasks that he cultivated not only the land but also the values of hard work and integrity that would define his character. A member of the Bethany Methodist Church from his childhood, Mr. Rowland's faith was as steadfast as his commitment to his community. He served the church in various capacities, including as a Trustee, and remained an active participant in the Men's Club and serving on numerous committees throughout his life, offering his time and talents until his health began to wane a couple of years ago. Mr. Rowland's youth was marked by camaraderie and service. As a young man, he was drafted into the US Air Force following World War II, where he served honorably alongside one of his dearest friends from Lincoln County, Allen Holloway. The Air Force recognized and refined his innate mechanical abilities and skills that would later prove invaluable in his civilian endeavors. Returning home, his industrious spirit led him to join forces with his friend Reuben Scott to open an automotive garage. His career trajectory continued upward as he worked for Marks Oxygen Company, constructing some of the Southeast's first nitrogen plants. In 1968, James and Albert Ware established Rowland and Ware Auto Parts, Inc., commonly called R&W Auto Parts which is still a cornerstone business in the community. He retired from that business in 1993 while his son still remains a partner with Hillyer Wright in the business. Even in retirement, James's passion for craftsmanship never waned; he bought a welding shop with lifelong friend Ray Banks that later became A&J Services with his daughter Abbe and nephew Johnny Myers and later with his grandsons Jeremy, Benjamin and Hamilton as well as worked alongside his son, Tony and grandson Jim at J&T Service Center a few days a week for many years.

He was a masterful teacher, imparting his extensive knowledge of mechanics and welding to his son, grandsons, and great-grandsons. They learned to mend a spectrum of machinery under his training, from lawn mowers, vehicles and heavy equipment. His prowess as a welder was renowned, and his ability to wield a cutting torch with the precision of scissors was legendary. There seemed to be nothing he couldn't fix, and he approached every challenge with a can-do attitude and a hint of humor. A testament to his dedication, his yard was a reflection of his love for beauty and order. Azaleas and a myriad of flowers bloomed under his care, and even into his later years, he could often be found tending to the flower beds and removing every twig from the natural areas around his immaculately kept home.

His legacy is one of love and sacrifice, traits that he demonstrated through his 77-year marriage to his beloved wife, Daphne Wright Rowland, and his devotion to his family. He was a loving father to his son, James Anthony "Tony" Rowland and his wife Cherry, and daughter, Abbe Barbara Adele Rowland. Mr. Rowland's life story is one of connection and continuity, as evidenced by his large and loving family, including his grandchildren, Jeremy Oliver Dawkins and fiancée Kelli Keith, James Anthony "Jim" Rowland, Jr. and his wife Amber, Thomas Hamilton Dawkins and his wife Melissa, Benjamin Walton Dawkins and his wife Rebecca, Julie Elizabeth Rowland-Gross and her husband Jai; and his great-grandchildren, Tyler Rowland Dawkins, Lalla Adelle Dawkins, Lucy Olivia Dawkins, Lillie Tanner Dawkins, Abigail Catherine Dawkins, Bryson Hamilton Dawkins, Annamae Wright Dawkins, Olivia Dawkins, Ava Dawkins, James Collins "Jayce Rowland," Christian Carter Rowland, Quinlan Cherry Gross, Vincent Jai Gross. The family tree extended to his great-great grandchild,  Drake Alexander Dawkins. He was preceded in death by all of his siblings.

James Oliver Rowland's life was defined by his handiness, humor, and heart. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, love, and the indelible mark of a life well-lived. His memory will be treasured and his lessons carried forward by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family would like to thank Dr. Robert J. Williams for his dedicated and sincere care to Mr. James.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 2pm at Bethany Church of Iveytown. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6pm until 8pm at the funeral home.

Beggs Funeral Home, Lincolnton is honored to serve the family of Mr. James Oliver Rowland.