Rowland Walker Dies At 97

Rowland was born August 9, 1928, in Berrien County, Georgia, to Rowland Andrew Walker, Sr. and Jane Melissa Robinson Walker. He gained his wings and joined Jesus on August 7, 2026, just two days shy of his 98th birthday. Rowland was one of 13 children and now joins all of his brothers and sisters in heaven.

Rowland joined the Navy at the age of 17 and served our country proudly. Later in life, he worked at Kilgore Seed in Fort Myers and Immokalee, Florida Favorite Fertilizer, eventually becoming a farmer for Six L’s Farms in Corkscrew and Muse, where he farmed for many, many years.

Saying that Rowland loved farming is an understatement! He was also known as the “Pepper King” while farming. We can all still picture Rowland driving through the farm in his Grand Wagoneer while enjoying his cigar. That was an everyday sight that we will always love remembering. At the age of 97, he still had his yearly garden and could be seen sitting in his golf cart, hoeing the weeds or inspecting the neighbors’ chickens.

Besides farming, Rowland loved his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were very dear to him and brought him immense joy. He was so proud of each and every one of them. He enjoyed sitting on his back porch with family and friends and talking on the phone while overseeing the neighborhood. Not much slipped by him.

Rowland was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria, and his daughter, Becky Decker.

Rowland leaves his cherished children: Andy Walker (Denise), Cindy Delessio (John), Jason Walker (Callie), and Harry Walker.

His grandchildren: Tim Aloneftis (Kristy), Melanie Rader, Clint Walker (Natalie), John Walker, and Haley Walker.

His great-grandchildren: Eric, Elizabeth, Aiden, Jake, Emma, and Lauren.

Rowland’s service will be held on Friday, September 4, at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Felda, with Brother Hollis Albritton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hope Hospice or Future Farmers of America (FFA) at LaBelle High School.