Arnold Rowland, 71, of Peachtree City, Ga., passed away peacefully on July 31, 2017 after a recent illness.
Arnold was born in Windsor, Ontario, on December 16, 1945, to the late Edward and Gladys Rowland. He was the youngest of 3 children. He moved with his family to Tampa, Fla. at the age of 3, and then to Orlando, Fla. at the age of 12. Arnold met his future wife, Donna Bryant at the age of 13. They began dating when he was 16. He graduated from Boone High School in Orlando, and went on to graduate from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering. Arnold and Donna were married on September 9, 1967, while he was attending the University of Florida. He then went on to earn his Master’s degree in Systems Management at Florida Institute of Technology. He retired in 2008 after many years in management at Rockwell Collins in Melbourne, Fla.
He grew up in the Salvation Army Church and was active in the band, playing cornet. He served as Elder at New Covenant Fellowship in Melbourne, Fla. for many years. After moving to Georgia in 2008, he became a deacon at New Hope Baptist Church, South Campus, and was a faithful servant leader in church, business, and to his family. He dedicated his life to serving the Lord and sharing the love of Jesus with all who knew him. Music was an integral part of his life, and he loved worshiping the Lord in song. He will be remembered as a man of integrity, who always put others before himself.
Arnold is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Donna Bryant Rowland; daughters, Michelle Felton (David) of Senoia, Ga. and Julie Mckenna (Christian) of Fayetteville, Ga.; grandchildren, Kelsey Felton, Allison Felton, Nathan Felton, Courtney Mckenna, and CJ McKenna; sisters, Dora Rowland and Joy Rowland of Orlando, Fla.
A celebration of life service was held on Saturday, August 5, 2017, at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Mowell Funeral Home, Peachtree City, with Rev. Hugh Kirby officiating. The family received friends at 11 a.m. prior to the service. A graveside service followed at Westminster Memorial Gardens, Peachtree City.
The family would appreciate donations made to the Salvation Army or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Peachtree City – www.mowellfuneralhome.com
