Charles Rowland

Charles Rowland, age 86, of Hot Springs, graduated to Heaven Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, and is now rejoicing with dance and song.

He was born on Feb. 4, 1937, in Hot Springs Ark., the son of Thomas Elbert Rowland and Dora Selina Minton Rowland. He is joining in Heaven, his parents; one brother, Merle; two sisters, Luedene and Ann.

Charles had a love for teaching. He attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. He taught special education at Jenkins Memorial Children’s Center and Dollarway High School in Pine Bluff. After relocating to Hot Springs, he combined his love for teaching with his knowledge and experience with carpentry and taught woodworking at Quapaw Technical Institute.

He later owned and operated Grandmother’s House Learning Center with his wife, “Neneen,” for 14 years. He was fondly known as “Papa Charles.” He had a talented love for drawing and earned a blue ribbon for his colored pencil sketch at the Garland County Fair.

Cherishing his memory is his loving wife of 64 years, Vera Merlene Mccollum Rowland; his three sons and their spouses, Chris and Kathy Rowland of Pearcy, Keith and Nancy Rowland, of Bonnerdale, Kevin and Cara Rowland, of Bonnerdale; and one daughter and her spouse, Karma and Mark White, of Pearcy. He was also loved by 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also remembered by his brother, Harold Rowland of Scottsdale, Ariz., along with nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

Honorary pallbearers will be Buddy Black, Dr. Kevin Hale, Dr. Brian Reilly, and his beautiful wife, Lisa, Dr. Kara Way, Teri Smith, APRN, boxers at Rock Steady First Baptist Church, Hospice Home and Palliative Community Care.

The family extends a special thank you to the caregivers, Calva, Nelia and Jessica.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Rock Steady Boxing First Baptist Church Fitness, 2350 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901 (Memo: Charles Rowland Rock Steady); Arkansas Children’s Hospital or Arkansas School for the Blind.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, in the Smith Family Funeral Home chapel, Hot Springs.

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. today, Feb. 12, 2023, at the funeral home.

Guest registry is at http:// www.smithfamilycares.com.