William B. Rollins, Jr.

Life began for William Bryan Rollins, Jr. on July 29th, 1927 at Methodist Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. He was born to Ruby Hampton Rollins and William Bryan Rollins, Sr. He grew up in Memphis where he attended Christian Brothers College High School. His primary occupation was working for Memphis Light, Gas and Water. He held this employment for fourteen years. He married Anne Elizabeth Canale on June the Fourth of the year 1945. He served in the Army Division of the Armed Services. He was commended for his abilities with a Rifle M-1 as a Sharpshooter on November 2, 1946. He was married to his wife Anne until she preceded him in death in the year 1986; they were married for forty-one years. ""Bill"", as most people called him, had two daughters, Mary Anne and Laura. He moved from the South to the West in 1959 due to serious health concerns of his daughter Mary Anne. Due to her respiratory problems he was told by her doctors in Memphis that it was vital for her to live in a drier climate; the choices included Arizona and Colorado. Colorado was the state decided upon by his wife. He arrived in Denver, Colorado in the Fall of this year and secured employment with Public Service Company of Colorado. He continued to work for this company until he retired in 1989. Bill was reliable and conscientious in fulfilling his family obligations. He pursued a part-time profession as a bartender where he was known to be very fast and efficient. He was employed at the Writer's Manor Hotel and served prominent people for twelve years. Most people took notice of his mild mannered Southern gentleman appearance. Having grown up in Memphis, Bill was an avid fan of Elvis Presley. This was one reason Bill had very fond memories of Elvis and the Presley family. On many occasions he had the opportunity to run into Elvis when he was living in Memphis. Bill was always happy to share these personal stories with family and friends. Bill enjoyed traveling in his lifetime. He was a frequent visitor to Glenwood Springs. He traveled extensively with his wife throughout Colorado and New Mexico. He expecially enjoyed traveling to Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was very knowledgeable about Colorado and New Mexico history. Bill enjoyed playing pool in his younger life and would surprise people at billiard halls with his expertise. After the death of his wife, he was a frequent visitor to New York City. He has a half-brother named Stephen who lives in Manhattan. He also had another half-brother named Ronald, who is now deceased. He is survived by six granddaughters and one grandson. Their names are Carolyn, Tina, Angela, Michelle, Melissa, Alisha and Micah. He is survived by fifteen great-grandchildren.