Christopher Rollen *
Christopher “Chris” Derrick Rolen of Merrimac, WV was born on June 26, 1990 in South Williamson, KY a son of Pam and Rickey Rolen graduated from his earthly home to one of heavenly peace on Tuesday afternoon June 22, 2021 while an inpatient in the Pikeville Medical Center of Pikeville, KY. Chris was 30 years old. He is preceded in death by an infant sibling.
Chris was big in stature but even bigger in personality. He loved life! Chris was passionate in all of his endeavors for he never went at anything half-hearted. Chris left an impact of love and laughter wherever he went. From his ginormous stature to his even bigger character he indeed was a bright light for his smile alone would brighten the darkest of days. He loved people, for with Chris there was no age, race, or social status, Chris simply loved. His adventurous spirit was evident as he was always willing to try new things. Chris, was known for his teddy bear hugs and his gut laughter was contagious.
Not only did Chris live life big he served the Lord even bigger. He poured his heart into drama a form of worship in which captivated him. Chris was able to express his gratitude to the Lord and communicate to others how good God had been to him through this method of praise and worship. He was epic, living life to the fullest and loving the Lord unapologetically. Chris’ compassionate nature was a drawing factor for those he came into contact with for he never met a stranger. Chris an attendee of the Regional Church of God in Delbarton, WV was raised in the New Vision Assembly of Hatfield Bottom Matewan, WV. Church was an integral part of his life. He did not just go to church but he was involved in church.
Chris wore many hats throughout his working career from Miss Wanda’s restaurant to Bath and Body Works, and so many in between, Chris was diligent in his work ethic and with him came adventure and humor. He was currently working as a billing clerk for the City of Williamson’s water department. There was never a dull moment when he was on the job.
“What is lovely never dies; but passes into another loveliness, star dust or sea-foam, flowers or winged air. The darker the night the brighter the stars; the deeper the grief the closer is God.”
In addition to his parents Rick and Pam Rolen of Merrimac, WV Chris is survived by his second set of parents his aunt and uncle Wanda York and her husband Robert of Merimac, WV; special friends who were like siblings to Chris include Christy Starr, Stephen Starr, Brandon Dean, Cody Lee, Brooke Carrillo, Skye Pack and Elizabeth Wells. Chris is also survived by a community of loved ones, neighbors and friends.
Chris is survived by an army of friends who the family would like to extend their gratitude. These friends which included church families have surrounded them during these dark moments by providing food, sleeping arrangements while at the hospital and words of comfort. Your kindness will never be forgotten. To the ICU staff of the Pikeville, KY Medical Center the family says “thank you” for your care and concern during this terrible time.
Services honoring the life of Chris will be conducted on Friday June 25, 2021 beginning at 12:00 p.m. in the Mingo Central gymnasium with Pastor Ron Pruitt and Bro. Fred Taylor officiating; burial will then follow in the Merrimac, WV cemetery with friends serving as pallbearers.
Visitation will be held on Thursday evening June 24, 2021 in the Mingo Central Gymnasium from 6-9:00 p.m. with a service being held at 7:00 p.m. with Pastors Mitchell Bias and Eric Bias officiating singing will be provided by the Regional Church of God.
Expressions of sympathy may also be shared with the family by visiting www.chambersfuneralservices.com
Arrangements for the Christopher Rolen family have been entrusted to Chambers Funeral Services, Inc., of Matewan, WV.