Obituary of Thomas Claude Roland

Thomas Claude Roland, age 83, passed away April 30, 2019 at Forsyth Medical Center. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 3, 2019 at 11am at Boone Family Funeral Home with Rev. Margaret Wannamacher, Rev. Greg Freeman, and Rev. Ken Furches officiating. Burial will follow in the Ashelawn Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 2, 2019 from 6-8pm at Boone Family Funeral Home.

He was born in Ashe County on May 30, 1935 to Howard Thomas Roland and Myrtle Jones Roland.  He graduated from Riverview High School in 1955 where he played on the basketball team and was President of the Senior Class.  He enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, and was a regular participant in the Blue Ridge Wagon Train.

He also enjoyed listening to Bluegrass music, playing Rook, and spending time with his grandsons. He was a member of the original Ashe County Jaycees and was a charter member of the Warrensville Fire Department.

Claude was one of the original owners of Builder’s Shopping Center in Warrensville, N.C. where he continued to work for 58 years.  He was a faithful member of Clifton United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean Lewis Roland; one daughter, Angie Lawrence and husband, Will of Eden, NC; two grandsons, Pierce Lawrence of Wilmington, N.C. and Josh Lawrence of the home; one brother, Max Roland and wife Linda of Warrensville, N.C.  Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

Claude was a faithful husband and a loving father and grandfather.  He will be missed by his family and friends, his community, and his church.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Clifton United Methodist Church in care of Eloise Price, 11026 NC Hwy 88 West, Warrensville, N.C. 28693.