Thomas “Buddy” Roland, 79, of Chesapeake, passed away at his home Saturday, March 5. Born on June 04, 1931 in Corine, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Charlie and Lina Crabtree Roland.
He was a member of the Navy where he served his country in the Korean Conflict and preceded to be a life-long member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was past president of the state of Virginia Eagle Aerie 795 as well as a life member. “Buddy” enjoyed spending time with his grandson in the Cub Scouts camping and cooking, and helping with the Pinewood Derby where his grandson, Joel, has won four years in a row including the 2011 derby as his last year as a Cub Scout with his Pappy helping every step of the way. He enjoyed barbequing and had his own special recipe for his “World Famous Barbeque Sauce”. He did many cook-outs for birthdays and also parties for friends.
“Thomas Roland was a son, he was a husband, he was a father, he was a grandfather, he was an uncle, he was a brother, but most of all he was a friend.” He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Carole Roland; three sons, Joel Lee Grogan, Thomas Bo Roland, Charles Roland; a daughter, Tammy L. Austin-Plourdes; a brother, Kenneth Roland; five sisters, Louise Saunders, Doris McVey, Margie Williams, Patty LaFon, Frieda Kradel; a grandchild raised in the home by Thomas and Carole Roland, Joel Matthew Austin, as well as many other grandchildren, Mikey, Lila, Kevin, Logan, Mattie, Alleyah, Brandon, and Rebecca; and many more nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his sisters, Billy Westfall and Glenna Duke.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Elizabeth River Baptist Church, 601 Sparrow Road, Chesapeake.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roland family at this time of sorrow. Tom held a very special place in my heart. He will be missed by many. May you Rest in peace my dear friend Tom.
Condolences to the family.I met Tom about 30 years ago at Trailer Service.He was a fine human being.I never seen him not smile.He was always good to me.The world lost a good friend.See you again someday.
We are so sorry for your loss. Tommy was a wonderful, caring, gentle man. He will be missed. He is so loved.
so sorry 4 your loss’ tommy was a gr8 person!! love by many’ R.I.P. our friend Mike,Melody & Cathrine
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT TOM,EVERYTIME I SEEN HIM HE WOULD YELL DONNA MARIE, AND TELL ME HE CHANGED MY DIAPERS HE MADE ME LAUGH,AND HE COULD COOK A VERY GOOD PIG, SAUCE WAS GREAT. JIM AND I ARE GOING TO MISS HIM ALOT. MAY YOU ALL BE STRONG.
LOVE DONNA AND JIM
WE ARE SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT TOM OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL TOM WAS LIKE FAMILY TO ALL OF US WE WILL MISS HIM VERY MUCH.
LOVE BRENDA ALLEN AND DAVID RICHEY AND TOMMY ALLEN.
My father, Guy Ireland, knew Tom most of his adult life. Their common love of cars and boating kept them in touch through the years. When Dad opened the marina in Great Bridge to buy and sell boats, Tom and his buddy Roland Mason would tie up sometimes on the weekends- to go to the store for more “supplies”. Tom was always a good friend to us, helping Dad’s relatives with reefer problems on fishing trawlers, etc.Tom would give you the shirt off his back, and he will be missed by the Irelands.
JOEL,BOE,TAMMY,AND TIMMY IM SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR DAD HE WAS A GREAT MAN MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL, STAY STRONG
LOVE DONNA (ALLEN) RICE
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. It was a pleasure to know Tom though Scouts. His generousity, kindess and love for his family were always evident. May God comfort you during this time of sorry.
Brian, Julie, Cameron and Logan McManus
I pray God will comfort, guide, stregthen, and give your family hope in this tough time. I am happy to have so many fun, and good memories of Mr. Roland throughout my childhood on Ridgewood!! with love,
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Our prayers are with the family at this time of loss. We will really miss Tom nickname (Mountain Man).He always had a special place in his heart for everyone. Tom is in heaven now with God.
Bo, Tim, and Tammy:
So sorry to hear of your loss. God bless your family.
Carole and Family,
The Spencer Family shares with you the tremendous sense of loss with the passing of our friend and loved one, Tommy. Words can not adequately express our sadness; and at the same time we know how truly blessed that we were to have him as a part of our extended family for so many years. We will always remember his warm smile, sparkling blue eyes, big heart . . . and oh yes, his BBQ sauce. For my dad, he greatly misses his ‘running buddy’ and will always know he is close at hand especially around 3pm in the afternoon as he heads out for their daily gathering down the street. May peace be with each of you.
Catfish Spencer and Family