Thursday, March 2, 2017

William Columbus Rollins, Jr. - 245S

William C. Rollins Jr.

William C. Rollins Jr., 84, passed away quietly on Friday morning, Feb. 12, 2010, after a distinguished and valiant life of service to our country. William served in the U.S. Army as a Ranger in the Special Forces during WWII and was awarded the distinguished Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart, amongst many other awards for his acts of courage and bravery in battle.

He was born in Kansas City, KS, on March 15, 1925, but resided in Ohio for most of his life.

After his service to our country, William began a long and dedicated career at the Goodyear Company; although William retired from Goodyear after over 40 years, it will be his talents as an artist which he will be remembered best. Over the last five years, William has created close to 300 charcoal portraits of veterans killed in action for the families of our servicemen and women.

Despite suffering his third heart attack in 2000, William believed his continued artwork to be his mission in life. His artwork has been recognized by President Obama and the former President Bush for his service in honoring the fallen heroes of the armed services and a permanent exhibition of his wonderful works is displayed at the Summit County Veteran's Service Commission Center in Akron, Ohio.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Lois Rollins and two daughters, Karen Hurd and Kathy Rollins. Survivors include his loving wife of 14 years, Carol Rollins of the home; a brother, Dick (Sandi) Rollins of Arizona; a sister, Wilnita Bratten of California; grandchildren, Mark (Kathy) Hurd, Kim (Scott) Traylor, Chad and Nick Brannan, Derek (Elisa) Sisterhen, Sarah Hadley, and Shayna Jackson. There are seven great-grandchildren, three step-children, Doug (Jennifer) Albert, Cindy (Bruce) Hadley, Debbie (Jeff) Brannan, also surviving. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Honor Flight Network, Attn: Tom O'Neal, 300 E. Auburn Ave., Springfield, Ohio 45505, or www.honorflight.org


Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Reed Funeral Home Canton Chapel with Pastor Berry Carter officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Hills Burial Park. Calling hours will be on Monday evening from 5-7 p.m. in the funeral home.

Akron Beacon Journal - February 14, 2010

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