Wilford L. Rowley, 85, of Palatka, Fla., passed away February 3, 2011, in the Putnam Community Center.

He was a loving man true to the heart and worshipped the Lord in his heart. When Wilford was a boy he carried a baby in his arms who turned out to be his wife, Jessie Ashby. In 1946, Wilford worked for the Libby Owens Ford Plant in South Charleston. In 1952, he married that baby girl he carried in his arms. They were married for 53 years and the Lord blessed them with baby boy, Paul. They learned that he was hearing impaired and saw that Paul received the best education possible.

Wilford moved his family to Michigan in 1967 where he worked for General Motors as a pipefitter for 20 years. In 1987 he moved to Florida and enjoyed his retirement working in his yard and loved his flowers and going to concerts. During that time his wife became ill and for several years he was very dedicated to taking care of her every need. During that time their friends, Clifford and Lois Hager moved next door to help them through their times of need.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jessie Rowley.

Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Linda Rowley; two step-grandchildren and four step-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, February 9, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with the Rev. Doyle D. Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, February 8, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.