Leonard T Rollins

Leonard Thurman Rollins was born on Sunday, August 7, 1938 in the Bridge Creek Community of Marion County.  He concluded his journey on earth on Sunday, July 14, 2024 at his home on the Pocket Road in the Griffith Creek Community of Marion County, approximately five miles from where he was born.

Mr. Rollins passed away peacefully in his sleep, at his home, surrounded by several members of his family.

He was preceded in death by:

His loving wife, partner, friend and soulmate of 58 years:  Anna Reece Rollins.

Parents:  Leonard H. Rollins and Jennie C. Rollins, of Griffith Creek.

Father and Mother-in-law:  Reece and Frances Levan of Griffith Creek.

Two sisters:  Cissy L. Rollins of Griffith Creek, and Jimmy Ruth Bailey of Houston, MS.

Two nieces:  Sandy Bailey Doss of Houston, MS and Jennie Cea “Love” Rollins of Whitwell.

Great niece:  Amanda Doss Harmon, of Houston, MS.

Nephew:  Dennis Rollins of Palmer.

Mr. Rollins is survived by: 

His wife:

Mary Hawkins - Rollins

His children: 

Leonard T. Rollins, Jr “Skip” and Skip’s wife Ritchi, of Soddy Daisy. 

Renee A. Rollins of Whitwell.

Chris A. Rollins and Chris’ wife Teresa, of Adairsville, GA

Trina L. Higgins and Trina’s husband Keith, of Jasper.

D. Adam Rollins and Adam’s wife Candice, of Soddy Daisy.

Kindra Denise “Dee” Miller of Jasper. 

His Grandchildren:  Mikie Hamilton, Sarah Sansom, Ben Higgins, Rebecca Kennedy, Tara Rollins, Leonard T. Rollins III “Trey”, Jordan Zacarello, Hayley Rollins, Garrett Miller and Ella Reese Rollins.

His Great Grandchildren:  Fletcher Sansom, Cooper Hamilton and Braxton Higgins

His two brothers:  Richard E. Rollins of Palmer and Phillip D. Rollins of Gruetli-Laager

His sister:  Betty Sue Harrison of Hixson.

Brother-in-law:  Jim Levan of Hixson

Sister-in-law:  Mary Barker of Dunlap

Nephews:  Damon Bailey, Kyle Rollins, and Greg Levan

Nieces:  Angie Barker and Ginger Mills

His neighbors and special friends:  Rick Rollins and Betty Kirkendoll.

His beloved dog:  LuLu

Leonard T. Rollins was the fourth of six children.  While growing up in a large, rural family he learned many basic skills, the value of work, and doing his fair share.  After attending to his chores he spent much of his waking hours and free time roaming the woods, picking berries and exploring (almost always with a dog as his only companion).

He was a strong believer in, and supporter of, education, even from an early age.  He was the first member of his family to graduate from high school.  During his Whitwell High School years, he was a fine athlete and excelled at multiple sports.

Leonard and Anna Reese (Levan) were married on May 25, 1957 immediately after he graduated from high school.  While raising a family, Mr. Rollins worked at multiple manufacturing jobs where he continued to acquire different skills.

In the fall of 1978, he had the opportunity to become a vocational education teacher at Whitwell High School.  Of the several different jobs Mr. Rollins had during his working life, the 14 years he taught at WHS were the years he cherished most.  The basic, but varied skills he had learned in his life to that point served him well.  He taught building trades to hundreds of students during his teaching years.  His students learned basic skills in carpentry, electrical wiring, plumbing and how to sketch/read basic building plans.  He took great pride whenever a former student would find him and thank him for teaching them a basic skill which launched their career into a particular trade.

In addition to teaching, Mr. Rollins coached multiple sports.  He was an assistant high school football coach, junior high school basketball head coach, the head coach of the high school baseball team for 10 seasons, and the founding coach of the WHS Golf Team.

He also coached Dixie Youth League and Babe Ruth League baseball teams in Griffith Creek and Whitwell.   His 1967 Griffith Creek Dixie Youth (ages 8-12) team was the first ever team in the Griffith Creek community.  He organized the team, coordinated the fund raising, acquired the equipment, designed the uniforms and coached the team single handedly for eight seasons.  During that span, his teams won three league championships.

Mr. Rollins was active for several years in the Green’s Chapel Congregational Methodist Church as a Sunday School teacher.  Later, at Griffith Creek Congregational Methodist Church he was Choir Leader and Music Coordinator for many years.  He especially enjoyed this assignment for two reasons.  First, he loved music and singing.  Second, his soulmate Anna Reece was the piano accompanist.  It was an activity they could enjoy together.  

Approaching his retirement and during his retirement, he fulfilled a life long quest to become an author.  He published his first book, a novel, in 2005.  He subsequently wrote four more books, two of which have been published.

Leonard T. Rollins was many things; dreamer, philosopher, carpenter, heavy equipment operator, teacher, athlete, coach, son, brother, husband, father and friend.  He excelled at all he did.  He cast a long shadow and left big shoes to fill for all those who learned from his example or tried to follow in his footsteps.

He departs this life, having accomplished much in deeds and, even more significantly, in the positive influence he exerted on those who were fortunate enough to have been associated with him.   

Family will receive friends 1PM-8PM, CDT, Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

Funeral Service 2PM, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, with Pastor Bill Ross officiating. Interment to follow at Griffith Creek Cemetery.

Arrangements by Whitwell Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

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