Mr. James Howard Rowland

James Howard Rowland, affectionately known as “T.C.,” was born on September 6, 1940, to the late John C. and Christine McDaniel Rowland. He passed away peacefully at home on September 15, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mattie Louise Farmer Rowland; two sons, James T. Rowland and Jefferey D. Rowland; two brothers, Cleveland Rowland and John Arthur Rowland; and one sister, Carolyn Jean Rowland.

James began his education at Short Journey School and graduated from the Johnston County Training School (J.C.T.S.) Class of 1958.

James joined Willow Spring Free Will Baptist Church at an early age. Throughout his career, he held various driving positions. His final role was as an executive chauffeur for TRW, a subcontractor for the U.S. Department of Defense, where he served for 30 years before retiring in 2001.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted daughter and caregiver, Salethea Rowland Baber, affectionately known as “Tiny,” of the home; daughter Christine Anderson (Billy) of Richmond, VA; siblings Katie Rowland Ricketts of Washington, DC, Sylvia Rowland Jones of Smithfield, NC, Gerald Rowland (Shelia) of Smithfield, NC, Linda Rowland Daniels of Garner, NC, and Sandra Monroe (Teddy) of Smithfield, NC; grandsons Terrance Washington and Tracy Lee; granddaughter Latrice Anderson; aunt Margaret Peacock; uncles William McDaniel and Napoleon McDaniel; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Out of respect for the family, please visit the home only during these hours: Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18, 3:00–7:00 p.m.; Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2:00–6:00 p.m.; Monday, September 21, 3:00–7:00 p.m.; and Tuesday, September 22, 5:00–8:00 p.m.

Viewing: Tuesday, September 22, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremations Chapel, 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC 27577.

Funeral Service: Wednesday, September 23, at 11:00 a.m. at Shiloh Christian Church, 211 Durham St., Smithfield, NC 27577. Viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

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