Roland Alvers

Roland W. Alvers  (Rollie) of Castalia, Ohio, was called to Heaven on January 22, 2021, after a short battle with Covid 19.

He was born on May 26, 1942, to Herman and Helen (Drummond) Alvers, and was a 1960 graduate of Margaretta High School.  On July 1, 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, and the love of his life, Terry Ann. He spent a number of years at Sandusky Fabricating, but his real job was oval track racing.  He began his racing career and lifelong passion at the age of 15, competing in ARCA. Nascar Sportsman, USAC, and UMP, to name a few.  In 1971, he moved the family to Florida, to pursue his racing dreams and to open his own business.  What was originally known as Alvers Welding soon became Alvers Speed Shop, and a legacy was born. He expanded to building race cars and setting up cars for others, while servicing racetracks with tires, fuel and parts, and eventually relocating to Tampa, Florida in 1981. He was not only known as a fierce competitor on the track, winning races all over the country,  and a  successful businessman, but also as a “friend to racing”.  He loved to help others with their racing careers and to teach everyone what he had learned.  Of course, his favorite thing to do was to tell stories of his experiences and adventures in life, and he remembered every detail vividly.  His face would light up at the chance to tell a story.  Friends, family, and customers would sit for hours, just listening to his life’s adventures.  The only thing he loved more in life than racing was his family and friends. His family was always a big part of the Speed Shop and his racing career, and his daughters and grandchildren were the light of his life. He was always proud to have them by his side. He had a big heart, loved his friends like family, and  would give a friend the shirt off his back, a meal at the family table, a bed to sleep in, or an ear to listen.  In 1988, he moved back home to Castalia, Ohio, where he continued to have success with the Speed Shop for many years. He was always up for helping someone with their racing career, or running  a few laps out in the shop or in the living room. He truly had a life full of love and excitement to talk about.

A loving family man, Roland will be forever missed by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Terry Ann (Sabo) Alvers, his “girls” , Julie Jardon, Tracy  (Allen) Wightman and Stephanie (Jeff) Singler, grandchildren Zachary Jardon, Brendan Wightman, Tia Wightman, and Jenna Eve Singler,  “adopted sons” Gregory Wayne Horne, David Rasor, Terry Joiner, and Ronald (Bones) Boyett, his racing family, and many friends.

Friends may call on Monday, February 15, 2021, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Ransom Funeral and Cremation Service, 610 S. Washington St., Castalia, and Tuesday, February 16, 2021 from 12:00 pm until time of services at 1:00 pm, with Pastor Ryan Brown officiating. Burial will be in Castalia Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ransom Funeral Home, 610 Washington St,. Castalia, Ohio, to help the family with the cost of funeral expenses and online condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransomfuneralhome.com.

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