Fred Ricky "Rick" Rowland, 67, of Niota, died Thursday afternoon, September 13, 2018 at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville.
He was a native of Maryville and longtime resident of McMinn County, and was a son of the late Luther E.B. and Flora Brown Rowland. He was also preceded in death by his step-mother Mary Cathern Russell Rowland, and a brother and sister-in-law, Tommy and Brenda Rowland.
He was of the Baptist faith. Rick started his grocery career at Alfred's and was associated with Red Foods and Bi-lo 36 years and retired from Food City. He was well known for his love of antique cars.
He is survived by his wife Mary Wilcox Rowland of Niota; daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly and Sherman Johnston of Loudon; one sister, Joyce Ann Rowland of Maryville; one brother Clifford (Emma) Rowland of Knoxville; a granddaughter, Karrington Johnston; a grandson, Kolton Johnston; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and several close nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be conducted 7:00 pm, Saturday, September 15, 2018 in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home with Rev. David Bayless officiating. The committal service will be 2:00 pm., Sunday, September 16, 2018 at Clearwater Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:30-6:30 pm Saturday at the funeral home prior to the service.
Pallbearers will be Mike Ball, Sherman Johnston, Lee Rowland, Carl Hickman, Paul Guffey, and Larry Galyon. Honorary pallbearers will be Douglas Wilcox and Charles Wilcox.
The family suggests memorials be made to American Cancer Society, c/o Perry Riden, 172 Co. Rd. 759, Athens. TN 37303.

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