Billy Joe Rowland

Billy Joe Rowland passed away September 4, 2026, he was 89 years old. BJ was born August 27, 1937, in Clear Creek, North Carolina. He moved from North Carolina to Washington in 1957, where he met the love of his life Lily in 1959, they were married 52 years and raised six children.

BJ Worked odd jobs when he first moved to Washington then worked for Weyerhaeuser and eventually started his own business “BJ Rowland Trucking”. BJ worked out at the steam plant hauling dirt and mud.

When BJ retired, he and his wife began collecting antique farm equipment “Rusty Gold,” which he sold at swap meets. BJ sold at the Packwood Swap Meets twice a year for 27 years.

BJ was a southern gentleman. He was a great man who knew everybody. He always had a smile on his face, and he was a great storyteller. The absolute best storyteller, you could have listened to him forever. He was a one-of-a-kind person; he will be truly missed.

BJ is preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Callie Rowland, his mother, Hildred Rowland Olsen, his wife of 52 years Lily White Rowland, his grandchildren, Ricky Rowland, and Jessica Denton.

BJ leaves behind his other love of his life of 15 years, Colleen Hammontree. His sons, Rick Rowland, Mickey Rowland, Billy Rowland, his daughters, Vicky Denton, Kathy Thurman, Judy Rowland, his son-in-law’s Larry Thurman, Jeff Denton, his daughters-in-law’s Anita Rowland, Kristy Bell, and Amy Murphy. BJ also leaves behind 20 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren, and two great grandchildren on the way.

There will be a graveside service on September 25, 2026 @ 12:00pm at the Toledo Cemetery in Toledo, Washington at 351 N. 5th Street behind Fir Lawn Funeral Chapel.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 10, 2026 @ 12:00 PM with a Potluck to Follow at the Vader Assembly of God, 302 6th Street Vader, WA 98593. “Come as you are, bib overalls are welcome.”