William Beal Rowland

DURHAM – Mr. William Beal Rowland, 80 years of age, faithful servant of the Lord, left his earthly home on September 17, 2021, to live eternity in his Heavenly home with Jesus. He’s been walking with Jesus for many years here on this earth with great assurance knowing he was going home one day to be with Jesus. Beal had been living with Lewy body dementia for the last eight to ten years.

Beal Rowland, the son of the late Isaac “Ike” Francis Rowland and Martha Clements Rowland, was born in Durham, NC.  He was a devoted husband for 58 years to his loving wife Donna Sorrell Rowland. Beal was preceded in death by his father and mother, as well as his brother Talmage Clements “Clem” Rowland.  His two surviving sisters are Carrollynn Briley (Jerry) of Washington, NC, Casandra McBroom (Ralph) of Hurdle Mills (Schley Community), NC, and his sister-in-law, Jean Rowland of Surf City, NC.  He is also survived by his cousin-brother Lynn Crayton (Diane) and several Sorrell/Mangum Family in-laws.  Beal greatly loved all of his family and friends…his wife, sisters, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, friends and his pet dog Sandy.

Beal had a deep love for Jesus, and a desire for everyone to know Jesus as their Savior. Beal lived what he taught. He grew up at Angier Avenue Baptist Church and was a very active member until the closing of the church. He cherished and was very devoted to his church. More recently, he was a member of Plainview Baptist Church.  Beal served many years in the different choirs at the church, beginning as a very young child.  He served many years as a deacon, usher, and Sunday school teacher and helped with the church literature program.  Up until the last few years, he faithfully visited members of his church, including the shut-ins. He enjoyed reading his Bible on a daily basis.

Beal graduated from Durham High School in 1959, Campbell College in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Religious Education in 1978.

Beal was a Boy Scout, served in the Navy and Navy Reserve, and worked in the life insurance business and commercial glove sales. Beal served as Minister of Music and Youth at Calvary Baptist Church in Darlington, South Carolina.

Funeral services will be held at Plainview Baptist Church on Sunday, September 19, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.  The family will receive friends in the Sanctuary prior to the funeral services beginning at 4:00 p.m. Rev. Doug Nalley and Rev. Kevin Byers will officiate.

Interment with a graveside service will be in Oak Grove Memorial Gardens at 2:30 on Monday, September 20, 2021. Officiating will be Rev. Doug Nalley.

Pallbearers will be Lynn Crayton, Tony Rowland, Scotty Rowland, Rowland Bowen, Kevin McBroom, Collin Rowland and Griffin Clark.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Andy Sorrell, Jerry Sorrell, Kenneth Garner, Todd Morris and George Woods.

Due to COVID, please wear a mask.

Memorials may be made to Plainview Baptist Church, 5200 Cheek Road, Durham, NC 27704, in memory of Beal Rowland. Online condolences can be made at www.hudsonfuneralhome.com