From Janelle:

Dad never met a stranger. He told me he was picked last in a game once, and from then on he went out of his way to ensure no one else felt that way if he could help it. 

He had a way of turning a normal story into a humorous tale & he would do his best to try and make you laugh. His natural humor was an art form. He brought unexpected joy to everyone he met & his light hearted positivity inspires those who knew him.

While he was a people person, his greatest passion was his family. He was wholly devoted to our dear mother. They don't make love like that anymore, over 50 years married, happily. He prioritized his children and grandchildren & loved up his great-grandchildren. Whatever we needed, he would drop everything and be there for us. 

No matter what, I knew I was loved. I'm proud and blessed to say that my siblings and I got the good dad others pray for. And I am deeply grateful to have known, been taken care of and loved by such a great man. 

He always did his best & his best was more than enough. He was a safe anchor in my life, and while I grieve his absence deeply, I am filled with joy at his finally becoming healthy and whole again in Heaven- no pain no sorrow. Just Heaven with Mom. I can only imagine how happy he is. That gives me peace. I'll see you again Dad. Your little girl loves you. 

We have fond memories of Rodney. We met him and Deanna at Cornerstone Baptist many years ago.  They were friends of my mom and dad and became our dear friends also.  He always made us laugh and was such a joy to be around. I know  the family will miss him so much but we will see him again one day. He is with his precious Deanna and his Lord and Savior.  No more heartache and no more pain. 

With love,

Melissa and Joel Wilson

Shirley and I appreciated Rod’s passion for his family, music, and the Lord. In the last few years, Rod played his guitar with the Wesleyan Village Hillbilly band. He enjoyed adding “colorful” arrangements to well known Gospel songs and hymns. The band sends their sincere condolences as do Shirley and I. 1 Cor. 15: 51-58.

In Christ’s love,

Martin and Shirley Ratcliffe