William Rowland

William "Bill" Andy Rowland, 81 years of age, of Charlotte, passed away on November 10, 2015 at Presbyterian Hospital in Matthews, surrounded by his loving family and escorted by the Angels to his Heavenly Home.

Mr. Rowland was born in Kannapolis to the late Issac Alexander Rowland and the late Zula Barbee Rowland. He was also preceded in death by his son, Andy Rowland.

Mr. Rowland served in the US Army and spent 110 miles behind the Iron Curtain. He joined the Charlotte Police Department in Oct 1960 and retired with 30 years service. Upon retirement, he opened his own business, W.A. Rowland Investigations, in which he worked until his death. Mr. Rowland was a member of Eastgate Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Oasis Shrine Temple, VFW, Fraternal Order of Police, and Berlin Veterans Association.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM, on Friday, November 13, 2015 at Antioch United Methodist Church, 3205 Antioch Church Road in Matthews. The funeral service will follow in the church sanctuary at 12:30 PM officiated by Pastor Greg Collins. A private burial will follow at the Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery at 20987 NC 73 Hwy, Albemarle.

Survivors include wife, of more than 44 years, Betty Davis Rowland, sons, Reverend Gregory Keith Collins and wife Bonnie, and Gary Kenneth Collins and wife Jennifer, all of Charlotte, nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Antioch United Methodist Church, 3205 Antioch Church Road, Matthews, 28104, Shriners Hospital at Oasis Shrine Temple, Oxford Orphanage, 600 College Street, Oxford, 27565, Police Benevolent Fund, 1201 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte.

A special thanks for the kind acts of the staff of Presbyterian Hospital, and Drs. Jay Hendler, Wyatt Fowler, and William Burgess.

Hartsell Funeral Home is serving the Rowland family.