Ted Alfred Roland, Sr.

Ted Alfred “Al” Roland, Sr.

November 14, 1947 – May 17, 2025

Ted Alfred Roland, Sr., lovingly known as “Al,” passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 4, 1947, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to Theodore Jackson (Ted) and Naomi Elizabeth Geiger Roland (Liz).

Al grew up in Hattiesburg and later in Gulfport, Mississippi. He graduated from Gulfport High School and went on to attend the University of Southern Mississippi before enlisting in the Army Reserves, where he served in a field hospital as a medical corpsman. His lifelong love of medicine and helping others began there and continued throughout his life. He spent the majority of his career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, working in tree research and later transitioning into termite research. In addition to his federal service, Al also served his local community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT — living out his deep commitment to service in every season of his life. He retired from the Agricultural Research Service in 2008 after decades of dedicated public service.

In retirement, Al found great joy in fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family. One of his greatest passions in his later years was genealogy. He spent countless hours researching, documenting, and connecting with family members — deeply invested in preserving the legacy of those who came before him. Al was a lifelong member of Perkinston Baptist Church, where he served faithfully in the choir and as a Sunday School teacher in his earlier years. Later in life, he continued to worship with First Baptist Tillman’s Corner, both online and in person when he was able. His Christian faith remained steady and strong until the very end — a quiet strength that shaped his love for God, his wife, and his family.

He is preceded in death by his father, Theodore Jackson Roland (Ted); his sister-in-law, Libby Milner Roland; sister-in-law, Becky Skelton Brooks; and brother-in-law, George Malcolm Brooks (Mac).

He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Beverly Skelton Roland, and their three children,

Ted A. Roland, Jr. (Katie), with grandchildren Sara Roland and Luke Roland Ashley Roland Wesson (Gus), with grandchildren Anna Wesson and Nathan Wesson Grant Roland (Karla) He is also survived by his mother, Naomi Elizabeth Geiger Roland (Liz); brothers Ronnie Roland (Libby) and Van Roland (Delia); sister Jane Roland (Bob); and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers, hospital staff, and medical professionals who supported Al and his family in recent months. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society in Al’s memory to support continued cancer research.

Visitation will be held from 9:00-10:00 AM, Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, funeral service will begin at 10:00 AM, with interment to follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant:

thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over

many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

                                                                         — Matthew 25:21