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Robert Ray “Bobby” Roland was born on April 8, 1942, in Gainesville, Texas, to Robert Henery and Jessie Mae Roland. After the family moved to the Texas Panhandle, Bobby attended school in Hedley, where his natural athletic ability quickly became evident.

While attending Hedley High School, Bobby excelled on the basketball court under legendary coach Don Haskins. His talent earned him numerous All-State honors as well as an impressive 21 basketball scholarship offers from colleges and universities across the country. After graduating from Hedley High School in 1961, Bobby chose to remain close to home and accepted a basketball scholarship to West Texas State University.

Bobby eventually made his way to Texas Western College, where he was once again under the direction of his former high school coach, Don Haskins. In 1966, Coach Haskins led the Texas Western Miners to their historic NCAA National Championship. Although Bobby was not eligible to play on the varsity team that season, he practiced and worked out daily alongside the players who would make basketball history. Decades later, the remarkable story of that team and Coach Haskins was brought to the screen in the movie Glory Road. Bobby always treasured his memories of those years and the small part he had in such an extraordinary chapter of college basketball history.

While attending Texas Western, Bobby met the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Waide. The two were married on April 2, 1966, beginning a loving partnership that would span more than 60 years. Bobby went to work for ICX Trucking to support them while Pat continued her education, graduating in 1968. His willingness to work hard and support Pat’s dreams would remain constant throughout their marriage. Fifteen years later, Bobby once again stood beside her as she returned to college and earned her master’s degree.

In 1969, Bobby and Pat moved to Amarillo, where Bobby began working for International Harvester Trucks, which later became Dave Roberts Truck Center. He built a long and successful career there before he and Pat retired together in 2004.

Retirement opened the door to a wonderful new season of life. Bobby and Pat bought a fifth wheel and a pontoon boat and set out to enjoy the years they had worked so hard for. They loved camping, fishing, traveling, and attending craft shows together. When Pat developed her craft business, Bobby was right beside her, helping in every way he could and happily taking her wherever she wanted to go.

After 13 years of camping and traveling, Bobby and Pat decided in 2017 that it was time to settle down and enjoy a quieter life in their new country home. For Bobby, home was wherever Pat was, and the life they built together remained his greatest adventure.

Bobby was a faithful member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Canyon and a member of the Knights of Columbus. His faith was demonstrated not only in worship, but also through service to others. He volunteered with Catholic Charities, including delivering food to individuals and families in need.

Bobby is survived by his beloved wife, Pat; his brothers-in-law, Dave Waide and his wife, Jodi Franklin of Ingram, Texas and Skip Waide and his wife, Irene, of Draper, Utah; nephew, Christopher Waide; his cousins, Jeanette Bullard and husband Jerald of Sherman, Texas, Dr. Keith Roland and wife Tiffany of Weatherford, Texas, Margaret Elley and husband Clint, and Barbara Owens of Owasso, Oklahoma.

The family requests that memorials honoring Bobby’s life be made to Catholic Charities, 2004 N Spring St, Amarillo, TX 79107.