Andrew I. (Ike) Roland, II, 91, a retired Executive Professional Sales Representative with Merck & Co., passed away Sept. 9, 2024.
Ike was born April 16, 1933, in Malvern, Ark., to Isaac Houston and Thelma Clark Roland. "Ikey", as he was known by family growing up was an avid outdoorsman who was known for being an accomplished turkey and duck hunter. In fact, his skills with a duck or turkey call got him invited on many hunts.
He graduated from Hendrix College in Conway, Ark., in 1955. At Hendrix, he met the love of his life, Mary Nell Clayton, whom he was married to for 64 years before her death.
He thought about a career in dentistry before deciding on pharmaceutical sales and joined Merck & Co. He and Mary Nell first moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, for a short period before moving to Clarksdale where they spent the rest of their years making many friends and raising their family.
Ike was a dedicated professional and forged many close relationships in the Delta medical community, many who became personal friends. Upon retirement and before, you could always find Ike at the CCC playing golf. In fact, he would wear part of his golfing attire to church on Sunday to not waste time getting to the course.
Ike is survived by sons Drew Roland, Ricky (Lorna) Roland, Michael Roland and Amanda Roland (Todd) Glidewell; grandchildren Ann Clark Roland (Russell) Elmore, Anna Glidewell and Alex Glidewell; great-grandchildren Ford, Louise and George Elmore.
He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Nell, parents Ike and Thelma Roland, grandson Clay Roland and granddaughter Samantha Glidewell.
The family would like to give special thanks to Norshell Lewis and Alice Taylor who have cared for this family as their own. The family suggests that memorials be made to Le Bonheur Children Hospital.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday Sept. 11, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Oakridge Cemetery. Meredith Nowell Funeral Home of Clarksdale will be handling the arrangements.
