Charles "PaPa" Rowland

Charles Rowland, age 86, of Hot Springs, graduated to Heaven Tuesday, February 7, 2023, and is now rejoicing with dance and song.

He was born on February 4, 1937, in Hot Springs Arkansas, the son of Thomas Elbert Rowland and Dora Selina Minton Rowland. He is joining in Heaven; his parents; one brother, Merle; two sisters, Luedene, and Ann.

Charles had a love for teaching. He attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. He taught special education at Jenkins Memorial Children's Center and Dollarway High School in Pine Bluff. After relocating to Hot Springs, he combined his love for teaching with his knowledge and experience with carpentry and taught wood working at Quapaw Technical Institute. He later owned and operated Grandmother’s House Learning Center with his wife “Neneen” for 14 years. He was fondly known as “Papa Charles”. He had a talented love for drawing and earned a blue ribbon for his colored pencil sketch at the Garland County Fair.

Cherishing his memory is his loving wife of 64 years, Vera Merlene McCollum Rowland; his three sons and their spouses; Chris and Kathy Rowland of Pearcy, Keith and Nancy Rowland of Bonnerdale, Kevin and Cara Rowland of Bonnerdale; and one daughter and her spouse; Karma and Mark White of Pearcy. He was also loved by 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He is also remembered by his brother, Harold Rowland of Scottsdale, Arizona, along with nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

Honorary pallbearers will be Buddy Black, Dr. Kevin Hale, Dr. Brian Reilly, and his beautiful wife Lisa, Dr. Kara Way, Teri Smith APRN, Boxers at Rocksteady First Baptist Church, Hospice Home and Palliative Community Care.

The Family extends a special thank you to the caregivers, Calva, Nelia, and Jessica.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Rock Steady Boxing First Baptist Church Fitness 2350 Central Ave. Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901 (Memo: Charles Rowland Rock Steady). Arkansas Children’s Hospital, or Arkansas School for the Blind.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00AM, Monday, February 13, 2023, in the Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel, Hot Springs.

Visitation 5:00PM-7:00PM, Sunday, February 12, 2023, at the funeral home.