Page 5 - Gary Rollins Funeral Home

The Power of Community: Gary’s first funeral home in Frederick, which was located in the Asbury United Methodist Church building on West All Saint Street, contributed to Asbury’s renovation and received the Frederick City Preservation Award. He then moved to his current location, another historic property, on 110 West South St. where he has two chapels, one which seats 200 people and another that seats 90 people. Among the many who contributed to accomplishing this feat were Rev. Maurice Moore, William Barnes Sr., Bernard Brown, Cornelius Turner, and Charles “Duke” Wars Sr.
Aftercare: Gary is currently married to Dr. Denise Rollins. The two, who joined forces in 2011 and wed in 2012, lead the funeral home team with the vision to take the business to the next level by offering new products, introducing extensive grief care services, renovating the facility, and continuing to provide a unique approach in easing the burden and worry of clients and patrons who are dealing with the death of a loved one. This includes being respectful, confidential, and professional in dealing with their needs. He is also a major supporter of the Whole Heart Grief & Life Resource Center, a nonprofit which is operated by his wife and provides one-on- one and small group coaching to people who are grieving due to all types of losses.
All Family: Gary’s business motto is “an extended family when you need us most,” which embodies his commitment to treating clients with care and respect. He also says he’s been blessed to work with many great employees at the funeral home. Members of his present team include: fellow mortician and daughter, Kasheba Rollins-Fiscus, along with, Vincent Moore, Celeste Stanley, Tia Hall-Brown, Kavonte Duckett, Rex Bowens Jr., John Thomas and John Moore. His family also includes several “bonus” children: Leigh SmithPeterson, Ralph Brown Ill, William Brown, and Malcolm Brown, and son-in-law, Kenneth Fiscus. Most notably, Gary is the grandfather to Alyce, Olivia and Kensley Fiscus, who lovingly call him “Papa G.”
Community Recognition: Gary remains active in the Frederick community, sponsoring numerous events for children and others. The funeral home has received awards for Best Business and Best Businessman from BlackFrederick.com for each of the three years (between 2008 and 2012) that the awards
were held. In 2015, the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women selected him for the Entrepreneur Award. In 2017 he received recognition as a Frederick High School Distinguished Alumni. In 2018, he was recognized by GARBO for his community service.
Community Service: Gary has served on a number of community boards and in community organizations. This includes serving on the board of directors of Nymeo Federal Credit Union from 2013 to 2016. He’s been a trustee on the Community Foundation of Frederick Board since 2015. Gary has been a member of the IBPOE of the World Lodge (Elks) since 2007, playing an active role in helping the youth marching band as a sponsor, chaperone and mentor. He was also a founding member of the Between Brothers community group that formed in 2008 to provide scholarships. Gary helped to reestablish the Road Knights Car Club group in 2008, presently serving as president. He is a member of Jackson Chapel United Methodist Church where he’s an usher and on the Lay Leadership team. He is also the past chair of Pastor/Parish Relations.
Building His Legacy: Gary is excited about the next phase of his vision: building a new funeral home that will be a tribute to all the families he’s served in the past and to the community he loves. The new building is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2020 and will be located on Catoctin Street in Frederick. With this new beginning, Gary plan’s to take his service to the community to the next level as he introduces the Rollins Life Celebration Center!
Gary L. Rollins Funeral Home - Page 5