Jay Rowland Obituary

Jay M. Rowland

Summerville - Jay M. Rowland III, 79, of Summerville, South Carolina, passed away on January 11, 2026. He was born on August 20, 1946, in Metairie, Louisiana. Jay proudly served his country in the United States Navy, spending his career aboard eight submarines and retiring with the rank of Master Chief Machinist's Mate (MMCM) (SSN). Following his Naval retirement, Jay continued his strong work ethic as a fuel truck driver for Southern Gas & Fuels before retiring for good in 2015. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jay is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Rowland, whom he married in May of 1973; his son, Dale Rowland; his daughters, Rhonda Nothaus and Debbie Sigmon (Robbie), all of Summerville. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Richard (Meghan) Kozura, Alexis Rowland, Wyatt Nothaus, and Evan Sigmon, and three great-grandchildren, Holter, Josie, and Ryder. Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Jay M. Rowland Jr. and Leonora Swartz Rowland. Jay was a life member of the Fleet Reserve Branch 269, VFW Post 3433, Subvets Holland Club, and the American Legion, maintaining lifelong bonds with his fellow service members and veterans' organizations. Arrangements are being handled by Simplicity Funeral Home. A two-bell service will be held at the Fleet Reserve in Goose Creek on January 29, 2026at 1:00 p.m. A burial service will take place at Beaufort National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jay's name to the Fleet Reserve Branch 269, VFW Post 3433 or American Legion.

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