Elledge, Roland, age 81, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2019 in Austin, Texas surrounded by his loving family. Roland was born in Tyler, Texas, the middle son of Don D. Elledge and Vera Faye Luker Elledge. After the death of his father, Roland moved with his mother and two brothers to his maternal grandparents' farm in Murchison, Texas. At the farm Roland learned the value of hard work including how to plow with a mule. The family later moved to Mabank Texas, where Roland's mother taught school.  Roland flourished in Mabank. He starred as a running back on the Mabank Panthers football team, was captain of the slide rule team and active in 4-H.

Upon graduation from Mabank High School, Roland hitchhiked to Levelland, Texas where he came across a closed gas station. Demonstrating an early and lifelong entrepreneurial spirit, Roland opened his first of many businesses. Following success with the gas station, Roland moved to College Station and open a men's clothing store, A&M Men's Store, across the street from Texas A&M University (ironically two of his three of his children attended the University of Texas at Austin).

In College Station, Roland met the love of his life, Mary Frances Salvaggio, who he first saw at a local park and described as a "vision of beauty in a red swimsuit." Roland and Mary married Oct. 7, 1962, and soon welcomed the joys of his life --- William Roland Elledge, Jr., Don Vincent Elledge and Mary Lisa Elledge. Providing for his family, Roland continued in retail which took him from Minneapolis, Dallas and San Antonio. He moved back to Mabank in 1969 opening El Lago restaurant. Ever the salesman, at the restaurant Roland would entice customers to buy drinks promising to tie a cherry stem in his mouth after they made their purchases.

Roland later moved to Houston where he established "Homes by Roland" and built houses for several years. Roland also started a vending machine company with his son Roland, Jr., which remains in operation today based in Tomball. Roland settled with his family in Tomball was active in the Tomball Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Tomball, Greater Tomball Pachyderm Club and St. Anne's Catholic Church, including the Knights of Columbus, where he reached Grand Knight status. Roland also ran for Harris County Tax Accessor Collector in 1996. He did not win the general election but loved being involved in local politics.

Roland enjoyed playing cards and dominos, gambling, watching football and going to the movies but his true passion was history ranging from American, Roman and Greek. One of his favorite pastimes was dressing as Uncle Sam and giving local history speeches. Roland was fortunate and was able to travel to Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Canada, Mexico, Washington D.C. and many states nationwide and saw many of the places he had only read about. Roland and Mary also enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, Lake Charles, La. and numerous cruises, which they called "Vegas" on the water.

Above all his passions, Roland cherished his family most and was proud of his legacy as a family man, spending as much time with family as possible. He made sure his children had opportunities to succeed, triumphed in their successes and was always available to lend a helping hand if needed.

Roland is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary, his three children, his daughters-in-law Cynthia Lynn Elledge and Iana Elledge, along with his grandchildren – even the four-legged ones - William Roland Elledge, III ("Wret"), Candace Ashley Nicole Elledge, Alexander Vincent Elledge and Helena Lauren Elledge.

His family finds solace knowing that Roland is with God in Heaven and probably spinning a wild story or two, giving history lessons, playing cards and rejoicing at being reunited with his brothers and parents.

The family will receive friends from 5-8pm, Monday March 18 at Klein Funeral Home in Tomball., with a Rosary at 7pm in the Chapel. A memorial service celebrating Roland's life will be Tuesday, March 19 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church, 1111 S. Cherry Street in Tomball. Immediately after the service interment will follow at Klein Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers will be members of the Knights of Columbus; honorary pallbearers will be his four grandchildren.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Roland's name  to #11472 Knights of Columbus St. Anne Tomball.