Words cannot express my sorrow for the community’s loss of Roland Walls.  On a personal level, so many memories fill my mind.

No matter the part that was chosen for him for the Krazy Kudzu Follies, he never turned me down.  He always made the skit funnier than I ever imagined.

Even though he came to every rehearsal, the skit was different at every performance.  The cast loved having him in their group.  They knew he would make it a hit.

My favorite would be Men in Tights when he played the role of Robin Hood’s blind comrade.  The guys would get so tickled especially when he almost fell off the stage.

I hope you got to see him “blow” the umbrella flames out during this year’s Follies.  The vision of him in that wig still brings smiles.

I met Roland while teaching adult education classes in the late 70’s. I convinced him that the class schedule needed to be placed right after Swap Shop or the obit announcements.  He agreed that the educational program would not only change individuals but the community as a whole.

To create a better Fort Payne was always the goal for Roland.  He truly accomplished his dream.  He made a difference not only through his humor but also through his concern for the individual.

I extend my sincere sympathy to Roland’s immediate family.  On behalf of his extended family, I want to say thank you.  His philosophy was that life is not about waiting for the storm to pass…It is about learning to dance in the rain.  Roland’s “dancing” certainly brought a lot of joy to many.