Ward "Buddy" Wesley Roland Jr.

September 6, 1952 ~ January 22, 2025
Born in:
Buncombe Co., NC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Ward “Buddy” Wesley Roland, Jr., 72, of Asheville, NC passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Mission Hospital.
Born September 6, 1952 in Buncombe Co., Buddy was a son of the late Ward Wesley Roland, Sr. and Nell Green Roland. Surviving is his wife, Rhonda Williams Roland; daughters, Teresa Roland Posey (Jerry) and Elizabeth “Betsy” Marie Spittler; sons, Timothy J. Roland (Daisy) and Daniel Spittler; brother, Donald J. Roland; and grandchildren, Aubrey Chance (Victoria), Abby Chance and Grace Posey. Known very affectionately as “Uncle Buddy” to nephew Ashley Dickson (Tisha), their children Mia & Liam, niece Sarah Allred (Jonathan) and their children Isaac, Nate and Elizabeth Ann, Connie Williams and daughter Sasha Vardaman, niece and nephew Isabel and Gabriel Alcala-Williams, and numerous others dear to his heart.
Mr. Roland was a Veteran of the U.S. Army. His time in the service saw him stationed in various locations both at home and abroad where he served as a weapons instructor, equipment mechanic and helicopter crew chief. These mechanical skills served him well in future careers, most notably 10 years with the Gerber Corporation as a water treatment operator and then in the long haul trucking industry until retirement in 2017. Buddy had a green thumb and a kind heart. He was happy cultivating a beautiful garden that yielded bountiful veggies every year which were promptly canned and preserved with his wife in this shared hobby. A truly devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend he had a gentle spirit. His quiet and unassuming nature hid a quick wit and silly side. He had a fondness for all God’s creatures and creation which you could see even in his care of the groundhogs who got into his garden, and especially his care of his rescue animals, Miss Kitty, and beloved hermit crab Mr. C, whom he doted on. His was a life of service helping family, friends, neighbors and church family. He could always be counted on, steadfast, reliable, and always willing to be there at a moment’s notice no matter the need. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but who can be comforted knowing he is with the Lord.
The family will greet friends at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue on Sunday, January 26, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
A memorial service with Military Honors will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at West Asheville Baptist Church, with Rev. Tony Hooper officiating.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to West Asheville Baptist Church designated toward the Building Fund, or Just the Crumbs Ministry https://www.servesource.org/justthecrumbs
Services
Visitation: January 26, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Memorial Service: February 2, 2025 6:00 pm
West Asheville Baptist Church
926 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 253-9824
http://www.westashevillebaptist.org
You will be missed more than you could have imagined.
Buddy was a gentle soul that always showed a smile. So grateful we had pleasure of serving with him as WABC. Prayers for all who loved him