Roderick RJ Hollaman, born April 23, 1964 in Alliance, Ohio, and into this world came a force to be reckoned with. Rod was strong-willed and a free spirit. A nomad, he went wherever his heart lead him. It always seemed to lead him wherever his children were and no human time or distance, could keep him from his children and grandchildren. He was a proud grandpa. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow, but his absolute favorite thing to do was to fish. Nothing was better than sitting on a fishing bank fishing pole in hand. There was always dinner on the table as long as Rod had a pole, and some bait live, of course.
Rod was number four of seven siblings. He was raised in Alliance, Ohio. He went on to spend most of his early adult life living in Canton, Ohio, where he met the mother of his twin daughters, whom he was survived by, Ebony and Ivory Hollamon. Rod was also survived by his grandchildren. His only granddaughter, Jaiden Griffin. He has four grandsons, Za’Khai and Za’Marius, Britt he also had grandson Xavier White as well as Zayden White, who is finally getting the chance to play with his grandpa in Heaven. Rod also had a bonus daughter, Ariel, Morgan, and three bonus granddaughters, Shaniya and Arianna King, and also Gianna Turner Rod was recently preceded in death by his older brother, Tracy. Rod was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Henry Daddy, and Etta mama Eman and stepfather, Nathaniel Howell was not only survived by his children and grandchildren. He was also survived by his mother, Gail Howell, and three sisters, Tambra, Kimberly, and Teresa. He was also survived by two brothers, Andrew and Jayvon, and last, but not least he was also survived by his longtime friend, Linda Tanner Ibitoye. He lived by his own rules. He lived his life unapologetically free. He wasn’t perfect, but he was genuine. He was also very stubborn once he made his mind up. There was no changing it. He loved hard, and if he loved you, you knew it. He was outspoken, but honest, sometimes too honest and no matter what Rod had been through in his life, he made his peace with life and with God and now he has his license to fish for eternity in Heaven’s waters without getting charged or fined.
Visitation 1:00pm and Memorial Service 2:00pm, Friday, February 16, 2024 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH, 2500 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43211
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I am so sorry for your loss. Not very many people knew him like I did. I saw the father, the grandfather and the very special person he was to me. He loved his family and every time he got on the phone with his grandchildren he would just light up. He had his demons and he trusted very few people because he had been hurt so many times. Underneath that tough guy act was a loving, caring man that I had the pleasure of knowing and loving. Rod, you have no idea how heartbroken I am. Fly high there is no more hurt or rejection where you are now!