Obituary of Roy Gene Rolls

Roy Gene Rolls

Gene was born on October 15, 1930 to Ruby and James Rolls at home in Westwood, California. The family moved to Chico when he was 3 years old. Gene attended elementary school in Chico, graduated from Chico High School , and attended Chico State for 2 years.

He lived on Hooker Oak Ave. for many years. It was great because he had Bidwell Park as his playground. He rode bicycles and motorcycles all around the area. Later transitioning to cars at a later date. At the age of 13 years old he started pushing a broom at then Butte Pump and moved up the ladder from salesman to manager. After 47 years, 6 of which were in Saudia Arabia, he retired, bought a new motor home and headed out. He traveled 7 times around the world, every state in the union and every providence of Canada.

He was married to Wilma Rolls for 33 years. From this union 2 sons James and Jeff were born and a few years later a daughter Brenda was born. He truly loved and supported them all through their lives. A few years later he remarried to Dorothy and they were married for 31 years.

He helped to form Forest Ranch Community Association and was its first president. Also an active member of the Forest Ranch Volunteer Fire Department, a charter member and helped with the building of the Forest Ranch Baptist Church.

He was an amazing pump salesman and very generous person to anyone he could help. Many of the projects he was involved in in the North Valley and surrounding communities are still operating and bringing water to farm lands.

He moved to Forest Ranch in the 60’s. And with the help of a contractor built the home that he lived in until just recently.

He loved metal detecting in the desert of Nevada with 2 close friends, Jerry and Collis. He even sold Garrett Metal Detectors for many years. He loved electronics, watches and finding coins among other things. He was a man that paid attention to details and learned to build upon information in learning. He passed this ability on his son Jeff who in turn passed it onto his grandson Justin.

Gene did great things in his life and was not afraid to tackle large and complex projects to achieve something . Some of his hobbies including building heath kits, building his first tv, building and racing motorcycles. He drove a bus to Chicago to bring busses back for a ministry at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and took his faith seriously giving generously to many projects.

The Rolls reputation was to buy quality tools so they would last. In the last few years with the coming of Harbour Freight he deviated from that a bit.

We are thankful to Robin for allowing him to stay in his home as long as possible. The Volunteer Fire Department for showing up and helping out as needed. For the excellent care he received from the care givers at Amber Grove Place and Enloe Hospital.

He passed away on Christmas Day to spend Christmas with Jesus. He is predeceased by his parents Ruby and James Rolls, sons James and Jeff, Dorothy Rolls, Brothers Glen and Ellis Rolls. Survived by a brother Ray Rolls, Daughter Brenda Reitz and Son-in-law Peter Reitz, Step children Brian and Carol Vohs, Kathy Vohs , Daughter –in-law Denise Rolls. Also 7 Grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and one on the way.

Beloved Father, Son, Grandpa and Loyal Friend and Story teller. He will be missed, quoted and remembered by all who knew him.

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