October 14, 1930 - May 3, 2025
Roland Campbell Stubbs, Jr., passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and deep devotion to family.
He was born on October 14, 1930, at Moore County Hospital in Pinehurst, North Carolina. His early years were shaped by his father’s work as a traveling manager for the A&P Tea Company, which took the family across Eastern North Carolina before settling in Sylvania, Georgia, in 1946.
Roland attended Sylvania High School, where he graduated as Salutatorian and participated in athletics. Though modest about his own sporting accomplishments, he was immensely proud of his son, who lettered in three college sports, and his grandson, who was drafted by the Kansas City Royals.
He enrolled at the University of Georgia, where he quickly distinguished himself as a student leader. Roland was elected President of the Junior Class and Chairman of the Student Council. He was a proud member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, the Gridiron Secret Society, the Sphinx, Arnold Air Society, and served as a student ROTC instructor. In June 1953, he graduated with a BBA and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
Roland served three years on active duty in a variety of leadership roles, including Commander of the 680th Air Force Band, Commander of Police Squadrons, Base Adjutant, and Base Personnel Officer. It was during this time he met the love of his life, Reba Kidwell. They were married soon after and shared 68 years of unwavering partnership, love, and support.
After his military service, Roland and Reba returned to Sylvania, where he served as Administrator of the Screven County Hospital and worked in the family’s farm machinery business. Their family grew with the births of their two beloved children, Leslie and Cam, who brought joy and pride to their lives.
In 1962, the Stubbs family relocated to the Atlanta area. Roland worked as Manager of Leasing and Mail Services for the General Apartment Company, overseeing 8,000 units across Atlanta, Houston, Athens, Oklahoma City, and Raleigh. He founded the Atlanta Apartment Association in 1963 and served as its president for two years. In 1973, he launched The Management Company, managing a portfolio of income properties, and later helped establish the Atlanta Owners and Managers Association.
In 1978, Roland sold his business and returned to Sylvania, where he opened a new farm machinery business. His commitment to public service deepened: he was elected to the Sylvania City Council in 1983 and soon after became Assistant City Manager, then City Manager. In 1998, after retiring, he founded Consulting, Inc., serving as interim manager for several Georgia municipalities including Statesboro, Millen, and Jenkins County.
Roland was elected to the Board of Directors of the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and served two years as Chairman. He also worked in constituent services for Congressman Max Burns and was later elected to the Screven County Board of Commissioners, serving with distinction for sixteen years.
Roland was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Gladys Stubbs. He is survived by his beloved wife, Reba Kidwell Stubbs; his son, Roland Campbell Stubbs III (Susie); his grandsons, Randy Fields, Roland Campbell Stubbs IV (Crystal); and his great- children, Roland “Caamp” Campbell Stubbs V, Harper Sheppard, and Parker Sheppard all of Sylvania, GA. He is also survived by his daughter, Leslie Vargas-Prada (Roque) of Hilton Head, SC and special friend Brooke Lariscy Lawn.
His life was marked by leadership, service, and an enduring love for family and community. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ogeechee Area Hospice, 200 Donehoo Street P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, GA 30459 or Friends of Screven County Animals, 632 W Ogeechee St., Sylvania, GA 30467.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 5, 2025, from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at Joiner Anderson Funeral Home Screven Chapel.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Joiner Anderson Screven.
Interment will follow at Screven County Memorial Cemetery.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner Anderson Funeral Home Screven Chapel is in charge of all arrangements.