Roland Walters

ROLAND WALTERS SR. died October 14, 2006, at Mercy Hospital after a brief illness.Born January 26, 1919 in Summerton, South Carolina, Roland was the youngest of James and Luella's five children, Daniel, Louise, Isaac, Eva and Roland. Shortly after his birth, his family migrated to Philadelphia, Pa. Unfortunately both of his parents died before he became of school-age. As a result he was reared by his older siblings.It was in first grade that he first met a very special classmate named Edna Green. Edna and Roland were married in Philadelphia September 20, 1940.While in Philadelphia, Roland worked as a salesman for Watkins Products (retail business) and at the Philadelphia Navy Yard as a welder. In 1956, he opened his own store for Watkins Products and moved his family to Baltimore. He later moved into the transportation business, first as a cab driver for the Yellow Cab Company and then as a private cab owner. Roland retired in 1982.Almost immediately upon arriving in Baltimore, Roland and his family joined Eastern United Methodist Church. Edna became the church organist and Roland directed the senior choir and was an active member of the Great Hymns choir. Roland also was an active member of the Methodist Men. For almost 50 years Roland was a devoted member of Eastern. Both Roland and Edna also were faithful workers at the church's Tuesday Soup Kitchen. In the spring of 2006, Eastern United Methodist Church dedicated their music room to Roland and Edna.Roland was a member of the East Baltimore Democratic Club and was an active member in his community. He had many friends and was a role model to many young men by example. He represented consistent values of self-respect and respect for others, responsibility for your actions, and most importantly church and family. Roland was always willing to lend a hand to his neighbors in need.Roland's love for his family and pride in their accomplishments were his foremost passions. Nothing pleased him more than attending family gatherings and/or events in which his children or grandchildren were showcased.Surviving are: his wife of sixty-six years, Edna; sons, Roland Jr. (Donna), Edward (Wanda), Alfred (Ada), John (Ceires), and Daniel (Senora); eighteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends. His daughter Jeannette preceded him in death June 1, 1994.

Tributes

Roland Walters

January 26, 1919 - October 14, 2006