Obituary of James Calvin Rollins
Funeral services for James Calvin Rollins, age 91, of Wadley will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Wadley First Methodist Church with Executive Pastor Marc Amason, Pastor Bradley Kimble, and Chaplain Turk Holt officiating. Burial will follow at Wadley City Cemetery with Quattlebaum Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00-2:00 PM on Sunday before services begin.
Mr. Rollins passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at his residence.
Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Burndean Clardy Rollins of Wadley; two daughters, Melisa Rollins of Anniston and Teresa Rollins (Bill Spence) of Lanett; two sons, Keith Rollins (Cindy) of Auburn and Chad Rollins of Opelika; two grandchildren, Sarah Sims Bridges and Mary James Bridges; two sisters, Jean Taylor (Ralph) and Margie Gay; one sister-in-law, Evelyn Rollins; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Randall Bugg, Jim Hall, John Hall, Jimmy Holmes, Mark Holmes, Jeremey Kelly, Rory LaPres, Dale Knight, Mark Knight, and Matthew Knight.
A lifelong resident of Randolph County, Mr. Rollins was born in the New Hope Community on January 12, 1933, the son of Henry Simmie and Dixie Thrash Rollins. He was a Mason, a member of Rocky Branch Baptist Church, and attended Wadley First Methodist Church. Mr. Rollins was a 1950 graduate of Woodland High School and an alumnus of Southern Union College, class of 1957. He was an accomplished student athlete, lettering both in football and basketball for the Bobcats and received numerous accolades, trophies, and medals for his accomplishments on the field and court. He was also selected as a representative to attend Boys State in Montgomery in 1949.
Mr. Rollins was then called to duty by serving his country stateside during the Korean Conflict in the United States Air Force as a military police officer stationed at Luke AFB, Arizona, and later at Sheppard AFB, Texas. He also served in the Alabama National Guard, earning his jump wings as a Special Forces Paratrooper. Upon completing his service, he carried over his talents as a team member for the Southern Union College Bison Football Team, competing in ‘The Watermelon Bowl’ against Handley High School in 1957, of which he was very proud.
James was an avid horseman – he shod, trained, traded, was a horse show judge, ringmaster, and showcased his beloved buckskin stallion, “Georgia Duplicate,” “Golden Boy,” and “Lady.” Trailriding was one of his favorite hobbies, as well as weekend camping trips along the banks of the Tallapoosa River. You could always find him looking for an afternoon of socializing and fun by playing dominos at The Wadley Domino Hall. He loved western films and television series – most of his time was spent kicking back in his recliner and watching his favorites Matt Dillon and John Wayne, as they were always on constant rotation.
Mr. Rollins was retired from decades of work in the timber industry, as well as being an established carpenter/construction worker and contractor. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Celia Denise Rollins; and three brothers, Freeman Rollins, J. O. Rollins, and Tom Rollins.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in James’ name to the Wadley Cemetery Fund or the Wadley Volunteer Fire Department. Alternatively, due to James’ love of horses, please consider Loveless Dog & Horse Rescue at 6650 County Road 151, Calera, AL 35040.