Hoopers Island - Roland Francis Rhea passed away Wed., Mar. 25, 2015 at his home in Cambridge. Born Aug. 26, 1953 in Fishing Creek, he was a son of the late Frances Marie Flowers and William Ivy Rhea, Jr. At an early age Roland would work with his family on the water. After attending the local South Dorchester schools he continued the tradition of his ancestors as a waterman. For over 40 years he harvested the crabs and oysters of Fishing Bay. During this time he also worked at various seafood processors on the Island. The past few years his health no longer permitted him to. Roland was one who loved everybody and in return you couldn't help but love him. He had a kind heart for all living creatures. His special cat "Stash", he always referred to as his baby. Family and friends will also tell you he really enjoyed food and eating. Besides his parents, Roland is preceded in death by a brother, George Lawrence Rhea; sister, Suzanne Bridge; brother-in-law, Billy Seward; sister-in-law, Laura Rhea; maternal grandparents, Lillian and George Lawrence Flowers; paternal grandparents, Susan Alma and Ivy Rhea; father-in-law, Laval Pomerleau; uncles, Marcus Flowers, Sr., Edmond Flowers, Willie Phillips and Roland Phillips; aunts Bertha Phillips, Lizzie Phillips and Carrie Powley; and cousin, Abbie Xenides. Surviving him is wife Shay, who he married on Thanksgiving Day 1977; siblings, Linda R. Seward, Wm. Greg Rhea and wife Kay, Charlotte Haemsch and husband Buddy, David Rhea, Heidi Adams and husband Ricky. Also surviving are aunts, Joyce Flowers, Judy Gootee, Barbara Mowbray and Nellie Flowers; uncle, Robert Rhea; mother-in-law, Thelma Sills; sister-in-laws, Diane Nancarrow and Paula Long; nieces, Kim Seward, Katie Rhea, Ellen Olds, Michelle Wilson, Allyson Adams, Nicole Rhea and Casey Rhea; nephews, Jason Seward, Bryan Adams, Matthew Haemsch, Doug Bridge, Jr., Eric Bridge, Scott Nancarrow, Colin Nancarrow, Ian Nancarrow, Derick and Trevor Long; a special cousin, Scott Poland; along with numerous other cousins and friends. A memorial service will be held Sat., Apr. 4, 2015 beginning 2:00 p.m. at Riverside Wesleyan Church, Fishing Creek. Officiating will be Pastor Charles Hudson. The family will receive friends the hour prior to the service. Donations in memory of Roland can be made to either, Dorchester County Humane Society, 4930 Bucktown Road, Cambridge MD 21613 or Kitty City Rescue, PO Box 1259, Cambridge, MD 21613. Arrangements entrusted to Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, P. A., Cambridge, Maryland. To share memories or send online condolences please visit www.newcombcollins.com