Clifford Michael Rowland, better known to his family, friends, and colleagues as Chip, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2017 after a brief illness. He was born April 27, 1955 to Dorothy Ramsey Rowland and the late Benjamin Gordon Rowland in Knoxville, TN. Chip is survived by his wife of 27 years, Rita Reesor Rowland, mother Dot Rowland, brothers Greg Rowland (Jennifer Carpenter) and Jeff Rowland (Diane Sartori) and the many nieces and nephews who adored him because with them he was just a big kid who loved to play with them when they were small and kept playing with them as they have been growing up. They are Ava Rowland; Kaylee, Morgan, Brooklynn, and Reese Webster; Erin Webster Kramer (Justin); Layne, Michael, Lee and Becky Reesor; and Kyle, Evan and Dillon Reesor.
Chip trained to be a boilermaker early in life but soon learned that he had an extraordinary talent in counseling and became a certified substance abuse counselor. Over the last thirty-three years he has counseled and impacted the lives of more amazing people than one can count, many of whom credit him as an inspiration and a key component in achieving his or her sobriety. Along the way his counseling career included working at Peninsula Hospital, Peninsula Lighthouse, CARE, Hope of East Tennessee and more. He had a passion for all things that raced including Formula 1, Indy Cars, boats, and motorcycles and attended many live events over the years. Chip also loved to travel both in the states and especially in Europe. His favorite place was usually wherever he was at the moment.
The family will receive friends Sunday, February 26 from 3:00 until 4:00 with a memorial service following at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to be made to Remote Area Medical (RAM), the Humane Society or other charity of one's choice.