David Earl Rowland, Sr., age 71, passed away  Sunday, October 13, 2013. Born in Nash County on July 22, 1942, he was the son of the late Henry Thaxton Rowland and Glenni Barrett Rowland.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Shirley Narron Rowland; daughters, Karen R. Farrell (John) of New Bern and Mary R. Manning (Arnold) of Rocky Mount; sons, David Earl Rowland Jr. (Beth) of Crisp and Christopher Rowland (Amy) of Pinetops; step-daughters, Denise Grant (Jim) of Red Oak, Teresa Manning (Keith) of Momeyer and Debra Lucas (David) of Pinetops; step-son, Albert D. Pridgen (Beth) of Rocky Mount; 18 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mildred Carol Batchelor, Jerri Lynn Taylor and Glenni Lee Ainsworth; and brother, Lawrence Eugene Rowland.
A graveside service was held October 15, 2013 at  Rocky Mount Memorial Park with Rev. Richard Price officiating.
Arrangements by Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, Rocky Mount.