Ricky Andrew Rowland, of Henderson, born Oct. 21, 1951, to Drew and Jessie Lee Rowland, passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 8, 2026. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, laughter, devotion to family and, above all, an unwavering faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Palestine Baptist Church with Anthony Rowland officiating. Burial followed in Palestine Cemetery. The family received friends at the church on Tuesday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. service time.
He proudly served in the National Guard for six years and graduated with highest honors. He also dedicated 43 years of faithful service to Duro Bag before retiring, demonstrating the strong work ethic and commitment that characterized his life.
On Feb. 19, 1971, he married the love of his life, Patricia Sue Howell. Together, they shared 55 years of marriage, building a life filled with love, laughter, cherished memories and the blessings of a growing family.
He was a devoted member of Palestine Baptist Church where he faithfully served as a longtime Sunday School teacher. His love for the Lord extended far beyond the church walls. He dedicated much of his life to studying God’s Word, sharing his remarkable knowledge of Scripture and helping others grow in their faith.
He found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He loved spending time with his family and could often be found in his favorite spot on the couch, watching television with a cold glass of Coca-Cola in his hand. He especially enjoyed watching Jeopardy! and always had a joke ready to make someone smile.
His family will forever remember his wonderful sense of humor and his unforgettable sayings, especially, “I love the tar tar tar outta you,” and “I’m finer than a frog hair split nine ways.” These words were uniquely Ricky and will continue to bring smiles, laughter and treasured memories to those who loved him.
But above all else, he was a man of God. His faith was the foundation of his life and the greatest example he leaves behind. Perhaps one of the most beautiful testimonies of that faith came during his later years. Even as his mind began to fade and everyday memories became harder to hold on to, his knowledge of Scripture remained. He could still answer nearly any question about the Bible, and the words he had studied and taught for so many years remained deeply rooted in his heart.
Though some memories faded, his love for the Lord never did. He spent his life teaching others about Heaven and sharing the promises of God’s Word. Now, the man who spent so many years studying the Bible is in the presence of the Savior he loved so dearly. The man who taught others about Heaven has finally reached the home he believed in so faithfully.
If Ricky could speak to his family and friends today, there is little doubt what he would say. He would tell them how wonderful Heaven is and, more importantly, remind each of them to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. His greatest desire would be for everyone he loved to experience the same hope, peace and promise of eternal life that meant so much to him.
Though his family grieves his absence, they find comfort in knowing that his faith has become sight and that one day, through Christ, they can share a joyful reunion.
His life was a beautiful reminder that the greatest treasures are found in faith, family and the simple moments shared with those we love. His family will miss his laughter, his familiar sayings, his wisdom and the comfort of simply knowing he was there.
There will be moments when they look toward his favorite spot on the couch and wish he were still sitting there. There will be times when a Coca-Cola, an episode of Jeopardy! or a familiar joke brings back a flood of memories. But through the sadness, they will hold tightly to the love he gave, the faith he lived and the promise that this goodbye is not forever.
Ricky will always be remembered as a man with a joke ready to share, a Coca-Cola close by, a heart full of love for his family and a Bible full of promises he never stopped believing.
Perhaps the most fitting way to remember him is through the words he so often shared with those he loved: “I love the tar tar tar outta you.”
Until we meet again, Ricky, we love the tar tar tar outta you, too.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Patricia Sue Howell Rowland; his children, Michelle Jernigan, Stephanie (Barry) Hall and Wesley (Mary Beth) Rowland; his grandchildren, Brooke (Drew) Hearnsberger, Brittany Connor, Holley (Ani) Binitie, Nathan Moore, Hunter (Kailey) Jernigan, Hannah (Dwayne) Estrada, Lana Rowland, Luke Rowland and Lexi Rowland; his great-grandchildren, Bowen Connor, Siler Hearnsberger, Mofentan Binitie, Kipp Hearnsberger and Kaysen Hearnsberger with two additional great-grandchildren on the way, Baby Jernigan and Baby Estrada; his siblings, Linda (Clifton) Reaves, Gary (Sharon) Rowland, Pam Summers and Anthony (Vickie) Rowland; his sister-in-law, Donna (Randy) Tyson; and his brother-in-law, David Lambert.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Drew and Jessie Lee Rowland; his parents-in-law, Elmo and Mary Sue Howell; his sister-in-law, Teresa Lambert; his grandsons, AJ Jernigan and Zack Rowland; and his great-granddaughter, Ellie Hearnsberger.
