OBITUARY: Wayne L. Roland Sr., 77, of Mims, Passed Away Nov. 24 Surrounded by Family

worked for United Space Alliance on the shuttle program as head of safety operations for 23 years

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Wayne L. Roland Sr., 77, of Mims, Florida, passed away Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022, at home surrounded by family and loved ones. Wayne was born in 1944 to Jewelene and Ira Roland in Brunswick, Georgia.

Wayne (also known as “Papa,” “Sunshine,” “Thumbs” or “Bubba”) joined the United States Air Force and served proudly for 23 years, starting out as a loadmaster on flight status and serving as a safety specialist and continued on to the Inspector General’s Team, where he retired as a decorated Senior Master Sergeant.

Wayne continued his career at Kennedy Space Center, where he worked for United Space Alliance on the shuttle program as head of safety operations for 23 years, and from where he retired in 2011.

Wayne loved music, cars, trains, planes, and fishing and was an avid collector of model tractors and Hallmark ornaments. He even kept a tree up all year long to show off his collection of ornaments.

Most of all, he loved his family and telling stories and reminiscing. He had such a great sense of humor and wit and never had an enemy. He was a walking encyclopedia and his knowledge and jokes will be missed by all.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Judith Roland; and his five children, son, Wayne Roland Jr. (Deana); daughters, Kimberly Mitchell (Mark,), Dennie Oxendine (John), Jennifer Roland and Jeffrey Roland (Tiffany); grandchildren, Ashley (Joe), Harli (Zeke), Hayden, Zachary, Mikaela (Cameron), Alexa, Alena (Blake), Ambrea, Jaxson, Allie and Audrey; and great-grandchildren, Addison, Weston, Elliott, Cohen and Wyatt. He is also survived by his sister, Rita Boatright (Pat); brothers, Butch Roland (Wannell) and Paul Roland; and many extended family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Jewelene Rowland; and sister, Linda Roland.

A viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at North Brevard Funeral Home in Titusville.

The funeral will be at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Titusville. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

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