Daniel Thomas “Danny” Roland of Watkinsville, GA, formerly of Union Point, GA, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at his home with his family that he loved so much.
Born April 25, 1937, to the late Sidney Lanier Roland, Sr. and Susie Mae Moody Roland, he grew up in Union Point and graduated from Union Point High School in 1956. Danny attended Piedmont College on basketball, baseball, and music scholarships. He left college in hopes of trying out for the Atlanta Crackers Baseball team, but after practice one evening, he went with some fellow players to the Anchorage Night Club in the Clermont Hotel. While there, he was introduced to several people in the entertainment and music business, which began his new career in music. He signed with Bayou Records in 1959 and recorded “Gonna Tell You Baby” and “You” on J.C.D. Records and “Little Angel” and “School Boy” on North Records. Danny and his manager traveled throughout the United States doing T.V., night clubs, and eventually, the Dick Clark Show in 1962.
Just before his next release, Danny was injured in an automobile accident and, for a while, discontinued his music career. A year later, and with a new manager, he became the soloist for the Concert Band that was led by Tony Belcastro and later was the official soloist for the State of Georgia during Carl Sander’s administration.
He worked as a singing M.C. performing with Ed Ames, Jack Jones, Frankie Laine, Jackie DeShannon, Pat Boone, and others. He worked with so many great artists, including Joe Williams, Billy Daniels, Brooke Benton, and the Platters.
After being on the road for so many years, he decided to return home with his family and began work with Ford Motor Company. He continued his music career around Atlanta and Hilton Head, SC. and performed at Burt Reynolds Place in the Omni Hotel and was fortunate to meet President Reagan and Nancy, Rev. Billy Graham, Jim Nabors, and so many others while performing in Atlanta.
After 28 years of service with Ford Motor Company, he retired and returned to Greene County. He continued to be involved in civic and community projects such as Southland Jubilee, Relay for Life, Greensboro Dreamers, and also directed the music for Fork Chapel United Methodist Church in Greshamville, Georgia.
Danny adopted his grandson Jason in 2010, whom he has raised since he was 4 years old. He enjoyed watching Jason play the many sports he had enjoyed as a young man. Jason would accompany his grandad to the many events where Danny would perform around Greene and surrounding counties and be referred to as his “roadie.” Danny and Jason had a special bond and they enjoyed every moment that they spent together. He always said his children and grandchildren, along with many friends and his faith in God, were his source of strength.
Survivors include his daughters, Christie Vaughan of Marietta and Susan McCommons (Tim) of Bishop; son, Jason Lee Roland Vaughan; son-in-law, Mark Logan of Rome; and was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren, Jesse Draper Vaughan, Sarah Vaughan Shay (Jonathan), Katie Logan Morey (Joe), Joseph Roland Logan, Hailey Claire McCommons and Holly Anne McCommons; four great-grandchildren: Wyatt Morey, Watson Morey, William Logan, and Jackson Shay; brother, Billy Roland (Amy); sisters Sandra Mauldin and Sherryle Hinton; sisters-in-law, Suzanne Roland and Lynette Roland; loving nieces and nephews, and so many friends that he met in his travels.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Donna Roland Logan; brothers, Sidney Lanier Roland, Jr. and Rev. Edgar Eugene “Eddie” Roland.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, November 13, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 206 Thornton Street, Union Point, GA 30669, with Rev. Alec Ward and Rev. Mike Pritchett officiating.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until time for the service at the church.
Interment will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Jason Lee Roland Vaughan, Jesse Draper Vaughan, Joseph Roland Logan, Brent Roland, Tim McCommons, and Mark Logan.
Callaway Funeral Home, 208 N. Rhodes Street, Union Point, GA, (706) 486-4138, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.
