Sidney Lanier Roland Jr. went home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 3, 2016.
Born on June 11, 1935, Sidney Lanier Roland Jr. was the son of the late Sidney Lanier Roland Sr. & Susie Mae (Moody) Roland. He was born at his childhood homeplace in Union Point, Ga., where he lived until his high school graduation. He graduated from Union Point High School in 1955. He came to Habersham County in the fall of 1955 to attend North Georgia Technical College (NGT formerly known as the “Trade School”), where he studied Photography and graduated in 1956. He served several years on the Alumni Board of NGT. While attending NGT, he joined Bethlehem Baptist Church and was a faithful member for almost 50 years, where he served as a Deacon, taught Sunday School, and served on several committees.
From 1956-1961, he attended Piedmont College, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a Minor in Physical Education. He had a great college career playing ball for Piedmont Lions’ Basketball and Baseball teams. In 1986, he was inducted into Piedmont College Hall of Fame as a 2-Sport Athlete. Piedmont College is where he met the ‘love of his life’ Suzanne Carolyn (Swaim) Roland on his first day of school. Sidney and Suzanne were married on May 25, 1958.
Later, he attended the University of Georgia, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Sociology. He also earned a certificate in Real Estate as a licensed agent. During his early years of his career, he was an insurance agent for Gulf Life, a rehab counselor at the Alto State Prison for several years where he made a positive impact on many of these young men’s lives. In the mid 70’s, he started a career as a Sales Representative for Graymills Corporation serving seven of the southeastern states and retiring in 2005 after 35 years. He started Sidney Roland’s Blueberry Farm at his Demorest property on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, where he put his heart, soul, and passion into gardening.
Sidney and Suzanne were involved in the American Belarus Relief Organization (ABRO) for several years, where they hosted an interpreter and children who are still effected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Proceeds from Sidney Roland’s Blueberry Farm went to help this ministry. He faithfully attended River Point Community Church, where he was a vital member since 2002. ‘Big Sid’ loved his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
God gave ‘Big Sid’ the greatest gift of all…the ability to witness and touch others in such a positive and uplifting way. He loved to laugh and tell stories! We never heard him say one negative word about anyone. He genuinely loved everyone he met and everyone loved him! He had such a quick wit and people were just drawn to him. He never met a stranger! He was always so gracious, had impeccable manners, was such a humble man and often expressed his thanks to God for all the blessings in his life. He would always say, “I have been so blessed that I think God must have me mixed up with somebody else!”
He loved his sweet Suzanne and his family beyond measure! We cannot even express how much he will be missed, but we take solace in the fact that he is healed and “oh what a party it must be in Heaven today!” We will forever have sweet memories of an incredible husband, dad, and papa! Thanks to all our family and friends for all you have done for ‘Papa’ and our family over the last several months. We have all felt your love and prayers and are forever grateful! His favorite remark lately is, “I’m ready to go-it’s been a wonderful ride!”
Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Suzanne Carolyn (Swaim) Roland of Demorest, sons and daughters-in-law, Sidney and Allison Roland of Demorest and Scott and Kisha Roland, of Demorest, daughters and sons-in-law, Kenny & Laura Miller of Demorest and Bobby & Alice Brewer of Flowery Branch, 13 grandchildren; Lanier, Ali, Millie, Cooper Roland, Simon & Kelsey Miller, Seth and Meredith Brown, Lindsey Brown, Cody Brewer (fiance’ Lillie Wier), Kalei Brewer, Dayden, Drake, & Daxton Roland, brothers Danny Roland and Billy Roland, sisters Sandra Mauldin and Sherryle Hinton, Aunt Alma, numerous nephews and nieces, great-nephews and nieces, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents Sidney & Susie Mae Roland, brother Rev. Eddie Roland, father-in-law & mother-in-law Thomas & Ruth Swaim, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Tom & Martha Swaim.
We want to thank the medical professionals Dr. Stuart Sanders, Toccoa Cancer Center, The Oaks Rehab Center, and Halcyon Hospice. They weren’t only ‘Big Sid’s medical experts and team, but his sweet friends, who he loved and trusted so much.
The family will receive friends at the “Roland’s on the River”* homeplace on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 from 11:00-1:00 and 4:00-7:00.
A ‘Celebration of Life’ service will be held Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 4:00 at River Point Community Church with Pastor Kevin Mangum officiating.
Visitation Address*: 800 Sidney Roland Rd. Demorest, GA (GPS Address)
In lieu of lowers, the family request memorial donations be sent to River Point Community Church Expansion Fund. Please make checks payable to River Point Community Church (RPCC) (memo: ‘Big Sid’ / Expansion Fund).
RPCC Address: 350 Ansley Road Demorest, GA 30535
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hillsidememorialchapel.com.
Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, 706-754-6256.
