William Lavern Rowland

William Lavern Rowland

1950 - 2019

William “Bill” Rowland, age 68, passed away on April 7, 2019. He was born in Lexington, Kentucky on June 10, 1950 to William Curtley Rowland and Jackie Wheeler Rowland.

A strong-willed, passionately determined man, Bill was always tough and firm in his opinions. No one doubted that he was his own man. From fast cars to semi-trucks, he loved to drive and be on the road, spending his career on the road as a truck driver. Bill considered himself to be God’s gift to women, and over time this prompted the transition of his CB Handle from “Blue Mule” to “Single Stallion”. His passion for his beliefs created an intensity in the pursuit of his interests: gun collecting, with an obsession with AK-47’s; investing time and finances into his auto racing and affinity for cars; and loving his dogs throughout the years, especially his German Shepherds and Pekingese. His competitive nature was often expressed in his dealings and relationships, never backing down from a challenge. As a master of telling tall tales with the ability to weave a story, showing his smirk would cause others to question the validity of his story, but if you contradicted him, he would give a blank stare, changing the subject and telling you “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” When Bill expressed himself, his word was unquestionable, and he wanted things done his way. With his first wife, Nancy, he fathered and raised his 4 children; he may not have done things perfectly when raising his kids, but he did his best. Though it was tough for him to express himself, beneath his exterior he showed his love in different ways. After suffering from a stroke in the final years, he softened about so many things in his life, telling his children and other loved ones that he loved them before the end and making attempts to be helpful to those around him. Just "A Legend Passing Thru", Bill leaves behind many stories, tall tales, and a legacy of toughness that live on through his loved ones, and “Single Stallion” will not be forgotten as he races on to the other side.

Left to honor his memory is his son, Clifton Rowland and wife, Dawna, of Lumberton, TX; daughters, Melissa Nicholas of China, TX, Kathy Barge and husband, Byron, of Beaumont, TX and Jennifer Holste and husband, John, of Beaumont, TX; sister, Sheena; grandchildren, Chandalynn, Benjamin, Zachary, Cassie, Lane, Michael, Kaiden, Coltyn, Christynn and Addisynn; great-grandchildren, Joseph, Grayson and soon-to-be-born, Olivia Grace; and numerous extended family.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, sister Nora, and son Steven Rowland.

Services honoring Bill’s life will be announced at a later date. Currently, there are no services scheduled.

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