George Gary Roland

George Gary Roland 69, of Franklin NC died Sunday April 10, 2016 at his home.

Born in Clayton, Georgia, he was a lifelong resident of Macon County; except for a brief time when he lived with his family in Raleigh.  He was preceded in death by his parents, the late James I. Roland Senior and the late Florence Virginia Henson Roland, as well as his brother James I. Roland. He was also preceded by his Aunt and Uncle that raised him, John and Blaun Kusterer.

Gary held a BS degree in psychology and an MA in Education from WCU. He served in the United States Air Force in England. He was the Director of Macon Program for Progress and then worked as a school Psychologist for Macon County schools until his retirement.

He was a civil war buff, and a member of the Western North Carolina Civil War Roundtable. He had an affinity for Motown, the Tar Heels, and Shakespeare.

An accomplished writer, he wrote two books; A White River, a civil war novel and Catawampus, a semi‑fictional autobiography.

Gary is survived by a nephew, James I Roland III Of Franklin; three nieces, Jan R. Heckman and Lori R. Swope, both of  Winter Green, Florida, and Megan Torgerson of Stratford, Conn. He is also survived by his former wives Laurel Roland and Donna Patton. He leaves behind many loving friends.

A celebration of Gary’s life is being planned for a later date.

Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home is serving the Roland family.  Online condolences may be made at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.