Lane Rolling

In a world filled with artificiality and pretense, Dr. Rolling was one of the realest. A beacon of Black excellence, his credentials were extensive and unparalleled: a Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, and a former Captain in the U.S. Army. With specialties spanning microbiology, virology, infectious diseases, and biochemical warfare, he was a force in the medical and infectious disease world.

Born in Fort Polk, Louisiana to Edith Marie Black Rolling on March 17, 1964, he was known by those closest to him as “Ced” or “Sid.” Growing up as an Army “brat” he lived in many places including Virginia, Okinawa, Japan and Kaiserslautern, Germany and eventually moved to Nevada where he was a star athlete in football, baseball, and track at Valley High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, graduating in 1982.

He attended Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, first on a football scholarship and then an Army ROTC scholarship. He was the first African-American to graduate with a double major in Microbiology and Chemistry with a minor in Military Science in 1986. It was at Weber State where he met his future wife, Catherine Loader, with whom he had four of his children, Nicole, Ashley, Jordyn, and Nathan. They were married on September 22, 1989 and later divorced after 23 years together. His eldest son, Branden was born in Las Vegas in 1985.

After graduating from Weber State, he was awarded a fellowship to attend graduate school at the University of Nevada-Reno where he received a Masters in Cellular and Molecular Biology in 1988. He proudly graduated from the California School of Podiatric Medicine where he received his DPM in 1992. He completed his residency in Podiatric surgery at Tripler Army Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1993. Dr. Rolling later completed his MD at the University of Health Sciences Antigua.

He served on active duty in the Army Medical Service Corps for three years with the rank of Captain and was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia and practiced medicine at Martin Army Community Hospital. He completed the Master Fitness Course, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Combat Casualty Course, Medical Management of Chemical Biological Casualties, Airborne and Pathfinder training.

For two decades, he dedicated himself to the people of Peru. Affectionately known as "Dr. Chocolate," he didn't just provide medical care; he transformed entire communities. Establishing clinics and collaborating with indigenous leaders, he seamlessly blended Western medicine with traditional indigenous practices.

Through his NGO, Tropical Pathology and Infectious Disease Association (TPaIDA), Dr. Rolling mentored aspiring doctors, giving them real-world experience in Peru’s hospitals. With a steadfast mission to bridge the diversity gap in medicine, he tirelessly championed for inclusivity and opportunity as a professor at Weber State University, Salt Lake Community College, Utah Valley University, Grand Canyon University, Philander Smith University, and Shorter College. His profound expertise and genuine compassion ensure a legacy that will echo for generations.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Rolling was a force of character. He was a proud Black man, a proud father, and an even prouder grandpa. His authenticity was unwavering, and he fearlessly let people know he was not one to be trifled with, often stating, "I'm not a teddy bear." He taught his family the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs: to always leave a place better than when you found it, never compromise for anyone, and understand that service to others is the pinnacle of success.

Dr. Lane Cedric Rolling, passed away unexpectedly on October 3, 2023 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was only 59 years old. His family is beyond devastated and heartbroken.

He is survived by his five children, Branden Collinsworth, Nicole (Chris) Shirra, Ashley Rolling, Jordyn Rolling, and Nathan Rolling; his three grandchildren who were the pride and joy of his life, Mila, Heath and Graham, who knew him as “Pops;” his two brothers and one sister, their families, and his very best friend, his mother.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life, which will be held at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery on October 20, 2023 at 9:20am. The address is: 1900 Veterans Memorial Dr, Boulder City, NV 89005.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Dr. Rolling’s legacy by volunteering in your local community or making a donation to a nonprofit organization of your choice.