Carrying Roland: Our Final Farewell, Our Light Forever

Help Us Honor the Life of Roland Carter

Our beloved Roland was called home far too soon after suffering a sudden heart attack. At just 41 years old, Roland was a husband, a father to three children, a grandfather, and a godfather. His passing has left an unfillable void in our family and in the lives of everyone who knew him.

Roland was more than my brother, more than family to most—he lived life as a barber, an entrepreneur, and a true community man.

Behind the chair, he didn’t just cut hair—he uplifted spirits. He offered guidance even when people thought they didn’t need it, encouragement where people would turn away, and a smile to anyone who walked his path. He was a God-fearing man who loved the Lord deeply and lived his life as if Christ was through him, he was as a positive role model everyone, a passive man that made everyone feel love.

One thing about Roland—he had a gift for making people feel seen. I’ll never forget one Saturday at the shop when a young boy came in, nervous about getting his very first haircut. The lil man was just moving and moving about and close to tears, you heard other guys saying “toughen up” or “boys don’t cry” and I remember the moment Roland knelt down- met him in the face, looked him in the eyes, and said, “You’re safe here, man. You’re a king, and kings hold their heads up high but if you need to cry- you can do that too.”

By the end of that haircut, lil man had a smile on him from ear to ear, his mom had tears in her eyes- I’ll never forget that moment, that moment embodied who my brother was. That was Roland’s way—he didn’t just shape hair, he shaped confidence, pride, and love in the people around him. He made all the little guys around him feel big, big enough to be however they want and still be men.

To his children and his granddaughter, Roland was the ultimate protector, a provider, and a soft space to land with endless love to give.

To his wife, he was a partner in every sense of the word- a teammate to the end.

To us, he was a brother, my big brother, cousin, and friend—always kind, always steady, always giving more of himself than he ever asked in return.

Now we have to face the bittersweetness of life and say goodbye to our biggest light. Unfortunately nothing prepared us for this road to take and Roland did not have health insurance, the weight of funeral expenses has fallen heavily on our family. We want to give him the farewell he deserves, a proper one—one that honors the legacy of love, service, and faith that he left behind. In addition, we want to make sure his children and granddaughter have some support during this difficult time and leave to something as they adjust to life without his presence.

We are asking, with humble hearts, and heavy shoulders, for your support. Our goal is to raise $50,000 to cover funeral costs and to provide some help for the family Roland leaves behind but know that no gift is too small, and every donation is deeply appreciated. If you cannot give financially, please keep our family lifted in prayer and share this fundraiser with others.

We love you, Roland. You will forever remain in our hearts, and we will carry on your light and legacy.

Thank you to everyone who who feels moved to help us during this heartbreaking time whether that monetary or spiritually, we thank you.