Charles Emerson Rowland, 81, passed away Feb. 4. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was much loved for his quick intellect, sense of humor and kindness. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Born in Covington, Georgia, he grew up in Atlanta where he attended Boys High and Murphy High. He graduated from Emory University with a B.A. in Economics where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. After graduating from Emory, he proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War spending most of his time at 3rd Army Headquarters, Fort McPherson. He obtained an additional degree in business from Georgia State University and attended Woodrow Wilson Law School. He began his career in banking working for The Citizens & Southern National Bank in Atlanta and retired 41 years later from Bank of America, its successor. He was well known for his outstanding community service and served in numerous leadership roles including serving as Chairman of the Board of the Georgia Heart Association, State Heart Fund Chairman and President of the North Decatur Youth Association. He was a member of the University Georgia Secret Gridiron Society. Mr. Rowland joined the Atlanta Athletic Club in 1966, where he spent a considerable amount of time with his family and close friends. He was a member of Tucker United Methodist Church, but in recent years, was a frequent visitor at Shallowford Presbyterian Church. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years June Johnson Rowland and his parents Charles Emerson Rowland Sr. and Francis Preston Rowland. He is survived by his daughter Linda (Steve) Rowland Sessler of Atlanta; his sons Mike (Amy) Rowland of Savannah, Rick Rowland of Woodstock, David (Michele) Rowland of Johns Creek; grandchildren Alexandra Sessler and Hunt Sessler of Atlanta, Daniel Rowland of Savannah and Paul Rowland of Atlanta, Chad Rowland and Grant Rowland of Atlanta, Clay Rowland and Drew Rowland of Johns Creek. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Georgia Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. A memorial service was held Feb. 7 at Shallowford Presbyterian Church.
Charles Emerson Rowland