William Joseph Rowland, 85, of Windsor, VA passed away on September 30, 2009. A native of Norfolk, VA he was the son of the late Luther George Rowland and Florence Ellen Corrigan Rowland and was also predeceased by his beloved wife, Annabel Lilly Rowland. He was a Veteran of the United States Navy, having served his country in World War II, served in the Atlantic and Pacific and the Korean War. After having retired from Civil Service as an Engine Mechanic at Naval Air Station he took care of maintenance on commercial property for Nusbaum Realty Co.

Mr. Rowland is survived by four daughters, Billie Jo Lamb of Suffolk, Ellen R. Lesoine of Franklin, Effie L. Long of Windsor and Florence A. Smith of San Angelo, Texas; four sons, William A. Rowland of Windsor, Linwood E. Rowland of Portsmouth, William J. Rowland, Jr. of Windsor and Steven C. Rowland of Windsor; 14 grandchildren, Cindy, Marvetta, Henry, Andrew, Patricia, Sandra, Ronnie, Jennifer, Donnie Jr., Shannon, Jason, Jeremy, Brian and Tory; 21 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; a sister, Sadie Day of Oklahoma and many nieces, nephews and friends, which were too many to mention but certainly not forgotten.

A graveside service, with military honors, will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 6309 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, VA on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 12 o'clock noon, with Rev. Mark Habecker officiating. Friends may join the family on Friday evening at Parr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk from 7 – 8 p.m. for visitation. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com