Mr. Joseph Douglas "Doug" Rowland, 72, of Rincon, Georgia, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025 at Memorial Health Hospital.

Doug is going to be missed by his wife of 30 years, Geraldine "Gerry" Rowland; step-children, Timothy Charles Russell, Wendy Renee English, and Kimberly Dawn Lopez; 15 step-grandchildren; 9 step-great-grandchildren; sisters, Dale Morgan and Diane Proudfoot (Brad), as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

Doug was born in Savannah, Georgia to the late Joseph Robert Rowland and Madie Myers Rowland.  Doug served his country with the 165th Airlift as a C-130 Engine Mechanic for 38 years.  He served 40 years with the Port Wentworth Volunteer Fire Department, and he was a volunteer with the Rincon Fire Department.  He worked with Disaster Relief for over 40 years and volunteered with the SARS (Search and Rescue) organization.  He served with the Marine Rescue Squadron in Port Wentworth, was a member of Countryside Baptist Church, and drove a school bus for the Effingham County Board of Education.  He was a chef and youth leader with Trail Life Ministries.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief through Savannah Baptist Association, 704 Wheaton Street, Savannah, GA  31401.  Make check payable to Savannah Baptist Association and in the memo section, list for Disaster Relief.

The visitation will be on Friday, November 28, 2025 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

The funeral to honor Doug's life will be on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 1 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home with burial to follow at Hillcrest Abbey West Cemetery.  Pastor Steve McCoy will be officiating.  The pallbearers will be Matthew Lopez, Adrian Lopez, Charles Russell, Caleb Russell, Samuel Russell, Timothy Russell, Luis Lopez, and Blayn Silver.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes – WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL – 901 West Highway 80 – Pooler, Georgia (912) 748-2444