It is with sad hearts to announce that Leroy Wesley Rowland Jr. aka "Buddy" went to his mansion in the sky on August 11, 2024, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Buddy was born on December 19, 1942, in Darien Georgia. He then became a resident of Jacksonville Florida for the remainder of his life. He attended local schools, including Ribault Sr. High. His first job was t.v. repair at AC TV for several years then followed his dad into the pile driving industry becoming a foreman for Ed Waters & Sons Contractors where he stayed the rest of his career. He was responsible for helping build most of the bridges in Jacksonville and Charleston S.C. He was a very dedicated and hardworking man. Buddy loved country cooking, steaks and seafood, country music, watching t.v. shows like Joyce Myers and The Voice and grilling out. He had a great love for seining, fishing and camping. The best memories of him are camping in North Carolina mountains, and almost every weekend camping at Kingsley/Strickland lake. He adored his best friend Powder "POW POW. She was the love of his life, a true companion and protector. His love for his family was unwavering with no limits. He was a true believer in God Almighty and his Savior Jesus Christ. He approached life with strength, courage, generosity loyalty and love. No matter how sick he was and how many hospitals/nursing homes he was in he always had the best attitude, sweet temperament and was always so thankful to all who helped him. The family wishes to extend their immense gratitude to his team of caregivers. A special thanks to his caregiver Char who he had so much admiration for who cared for him unconditionally and only wanted the best for him. She was an angel on earth sent from God and took him under her wing. I would like to give a big thanks to his granddaughter Jennifer, daughter-in-law Cathy, son Mark, cousins Henry Cox and Kraig Rhoden and granddaughter and great granddaughter Mandy and Kerrisa, who were there for him and went above and beyond to make him smile and feel better. This was a blessing from God the months that we spent together through the ups and downs, which created a bond that we did not have before. Dad fought a big fight and remained strong through it all until his body could no longer hold on. He is with God now, with no more suffering, no more pain and now is walking side by side with Jesus. He is home. His absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but his memory will forever live on in the hearts and minds of those who loved him dearly. The love for him will never die and will remain in our hearts forever.He is survived by his two children Mark Rowland(Cathy) and Kim Solano(twin of Kerry), his sister Wanda Thomas(Joe), three grandchildren Terry Rowland, Jennifer White(John) and Amanda Rowland, three great grandchildren Haley Rowland, John John White and Kerrisa Smith, one great great grandson Lawson White, mother of his children Ginger Murphy(Ed), two step grandchildren Josie and London, his beloved companion Powder aka "Pow Pow"; as well as various relatives in Georgia and Jacksonville. He was preceded by his parents Leroy Wesley Sr. and Bessie Rowland, his sister Donna, his beloved son Kerry Rowland, wife Diane Rowland and stepson Bobby.A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. at Heckscher Drive Community Club, 9364 Heckscher Dr. Jacksonville, FL 32226, 904-251-3097 Guest book may be signed through George H. Hewell & Son Funeral Home website Funeral Home Moloney-Hewell Funeral Home and Cremation Services 4140 University Blvd S Jacksonville FL - 32216 US (904) 737-4855 (904) 739-8159