It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Dexter Lee Rowland Sr , 79 , on November 5, 2024 after a brief illness .

He was born in Jesup, Ga to H C and Pearl Rowland. He resided in Callahan, Fl but lived most of his life in Jacksonville, Fl.

He graduated high school in Fernandina Beach FL then went to Jones College where he earned his Degree in Business Administration. He served in the Air National Guard.

In 1969 he worked along side his brother Melton at Rowland’s Upholstery in Fernandina Beach Fl, learning the craft of upholstery. He was very passionate about his trade and later opened his own shop in Jacksonville Fl. He successfully owned Rowland’s Upholstery for fifty-seven years. That was his most proud accomplishment. His work was the reflection of a master craftsman. He used his hands as an extension of his heart to create beautifully crafted pieces. He immersed himself in his career.

Aside from his work, he found great pleasure spending time at his Mountain Home in NC. He loved the splendor of the land, it’s river flowing, gardening mountainside and breathing the mountain air . The raw elements of nature brought him great joy. Let’s not forget to mention, no one could sport a Gatsby Hat the way he could. Oh how he loved those hats and wore them well.

He was preceded in death by his parents ; his brothers Earl, Rev Willard, Charles,Melton,James and Franklin Rowland .Sisters, Pauline Holloway ,Montene Rowland , Dora Purvis, Emily Beasley ,Norma Newsome (her twin at birth ). Grandson Gavin Rowland .

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Ann of 44 years. His children , Steve Overstreet(Catherine ) Jacksonville Al , Shannon Brown(Jimmy) Reidsville Ga, Dexter Lee Rowland Jr, Baxley Ga , Toni Chancey (Austin) Baxley Ga. Terry Pagel (Richard)Callahan Fl, Sherry Gordon (Wesley) Callahan Fl, Gary Rowland ,Callahan Fl , Sister, Virginia Beasley of Blackshear Ga
He is survived by a host of Grand and Great Grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Dexter Lee Rowland Jr, Evan Rowland , Ethan Twiggs , Dustin Bass, Timmy Stephan, Richard Stephan, Chase Schroeder

Funeral services for Mr. Rowland will be held Monday, November 11, 2024 beginning at 12:00 PM in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 AM.

He will be laid to rest at Bosque Bello Cemetery.