Rodney Duane Williams, age 54, was born to Virginia Crawford and the late Rodger Williams in Columbus, OH, went home to be with the Lord on September 29, 2013.
Rodney was raised in Columbus, OH and attended Linden McKinley High School. He participated in football and track. The Linden Eagles Track Team he participated in won the state championship track record for three straight years. As a result, Rodney earned his older brother Rodger’s nickname of “Fast Black” and was also known as “Hot Rod”. While still attending Linden, he enrolled in CETA (Concentrated Employment Training Act), a summer work program. Following the program he was selected to work for the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, where he retired in 2006.
Rodney, one of twelve siblings, enjoyed spending time with his family barbequing and listening to Old School music. Family and friends always looked forward to his waive and smile while he worked in his yard. Rodney loved good conversation and could talk for hours. Mostly all his sentences ended with him confirming your understanding by saying “Right”. Everywhere he went he knew someone and was always receiving and happy to see you. He loved him some Linda, and together they formed a unity of love along with children, Duke, Lena and Steve, for over 27 years. Rodney was devoted to his mother, Virginia, and the up-brining of nieces Melanie and Kimyatta. Cerissa always called him “Uncle Smoky”.
He is preceded in death by his father Roger “Buck” Williams, Sr., sister Dana, grandparents John and Willa Mae Crawford, Abner and Bretha Byrant, uncle Frankie Crawford, aunt Billie J. Crawford, mother-in-law Ruth Bristol and brother-in-law Monte Clark.
He leaves to cherish his memory the love of his life Linda, mother Virginia Crawford, son Rodney Williams, Jr., Lena (Nate) Jones and Steven Michael Jr., brothers; Roger (Amy), Tony, Timmy (Camille), LeVar Williams, sisters; Peaches (Robert) Briggs, Valinda, Carol “Knee-C” and Kimberly Williams, Mona Wooding and Bonnie (Herb) White, step-mother, Debbie Williams, uncles; Thomas (Kathleen) Crawford and Abner Bryant, aunt Ruby Radcliff, father in-law, William Bristol, sister-in-law, Arleen (Mark) Russell, four grandchildren and a loving host of cousins, nieces, nephew and special friends.
My thoughts and prayers are with Linda and the family. He had a heart of gold and will truly be missed.
Debra Stewart
My condolences goes out to the entire Williams family. May God be your comforter in times such as these.
Matthew 11:28…Jesus said Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give your rest.
May you have peace knowing that your loved one is resting in the harms of our Holy Father.
God Bless and Keep You.
Rodney and I met in 1974. Rodney was a very kind and fun guy. May God bless your family with everything you need to make it though this sad time. Sending prayers for peace,love and forgiveness.
Dear Linda, our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family at this difficult time. I hope you find peace in knowing you will see your beloved husband again.
With love, in His name, Julie & Gary Nickrand
Linda and family, my deepest condolences for your loss. My prayer is for God's watchcare over you through the coming days and weeks. In Christ, Kevin & Jami Vass
I am very sorry to hear of this lost and surely understand the pain the family is going through. My reguards.
Linda and the entire Williams/Michaels family, I'm sadden to hear of your loss. Thank you for sharing such a warm, friendly and caring young man. I will miss the laughter and hugs. May God continue to keep you in His care and comfort your hearts. Prayerfully,
Linda & Family,
You have my deepest condolences on the passing of Rodney. He was a good man and I will miss his big smile & "es;Hey Sis"es; whenever I (or any female friend) would walk into the room.
sorry for your lost you ae in my prayers , needed in any way contact me and let me know ! GOD BLESS YOU , ive been there , its hard but god will bring you though . BE FAITHFUL
Linda and all of williams family we are so sorry to hear the loss of Rodney he was so caring and he loved his family and he cared so much for his friends. GOD BLESS you and yours.
Dear Linda..Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. Please remember that you are not alone…we are always here for you.
Family, just know I am here and I care.
To the Family of Rodney Williams may our God comfort you in this hour. The entire Rawls Family extends our deepest sympathy to you. For there is not HURT on EARTH that HEAVEN cannot HEAL. We stand in the gap and pray your strength in the Lord during this hour of breavement.
I am terribly sorry for your loss. May the good Lord continue to comfort your family.
To the Williams family,
Our prayers and condolences goes out to the family. May God be with you and give you strength.
Rodney rest in peace.
Mrs. Helms, Tim, Elaine, Christine, Donna and Kim
You might be gone from us but you will forever be engraved into our hearts and never far from our thoughts..
My thought & prays are with the Family.
May God Bless you all.
My prayers are with you and your family. He was a good neighbor he was always ready to lend a helping hand. He will missed.
To the family of Rodney, my prayers are extended to you that God will keep you and carry you thru this time of bereavement. May you comfort one another for strength..what I remember about Rodney was seeing him at the reunion, he was very happy and he seemed to enjoy seeing his classmates!
To the entire Williams family. I wanna send my condolences out to you on behalf of the Donaldsons. I will always remember our fast times amd many talks about toney. Lol. But the laughter we sharex while just hanging out being big cuzz lil cuzz. Love you Levert and will miss u dude.
My thoughts and prayers are with you (Williams Family). I'm trusting God to comfort your hearts and keep you. Remember the good times and remember that God is always there to help you through.
We gone miss you Rammo "es;right"es;, "es;right"es;. May God bless and comfort the entire family.
Love Nesie Radcliff
My condolences to the Williams Family. I just saw Rodney at the reunion and was happy that we re-connected. My prayers are with you through this time of sorrow. May God keep you all.
What a heck of a Guy will b missed 4 sure
Thoughts and prayers goes ouf to the Williams family. May God blanket your family with strength, during this tough time.
May the family find comfort and peace at this time of bereavement. Prayers are going up that the Lord will continue to shine His face upon you all forever.
I remember Rod when he would come to Columbus East High School and visit. He was a lot of fun and laughs, and surely will be missed.
To the family,Rodney was a good Brother,I say that cause when I saw him he say Hey whats up little brother since him and nick was good friends.He was always laughing and happy,and having fun if he was around.When he ran the 880 relay he would be gone,but he always put the baton up to let the next runner no he was tired.I was proud when he told me he retired,lot of people dont make it.well Rod now you can rest,well done Brother,Ill miss you,but never forget Fast Black . R I P Lil Bro Mike d.
To the Williams family, Rodney was a good person with a loving heart, who made you smile every time he came into contact with you. Death, is really tough to accept due to its timing it is never a good time. But we have to realize that our time is not God's time and when our purpose in life has been fulfilled we have to leave this life and cross over to what God has for us. Sleep on Rodger you have earned your reward and U know your life was not in vain. To the family be encouraged I know this is a trying time, I lost my dad a year ago and it still hurt like yesterday. But God will give you peace.
TO THE FAMILY I SEND OUR CONDOLENCES ,I PRAY THAT GOD WILL HELP HEAL YOUR HEART ..RODNEY WILL BE MISSED DEEPLY ..GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND KEEP YOU ALL AT THIS TIME..WE WILL MISS HIM BUT NEVER FORGET THE GOOD TIMES AND HIS SMILE …
May you use God for strength in the days to come to the family god bless you all my deepest condolences R.I.H Mr. Rodney Williams.
Lora McClendon
God bless your immortal soul you will be missed
With each new day, may peace find a place in your heart. Rodney will be greatly missed. The Russells.Love.
Deepest heartfelt sympathy. Rodney was a childhood friend, our mothers were best friends. I share in your loss but celebrate a life lived full of love.
We want to express our sympathies and to let you know the family is in our prayers.
May God bless the family during this difficult time.
Peace be with you.
Rodney my.FRIEND'MY FRIEND. you will be……HIGHLY . .MISSED……..FLO …..WILKES…………………..
Rodney was a good person and a pleasure to have as a friend. He was fun to work with at CMHA until we both retired. Linda you and your family have our deepest sympathy. He will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Condolences to the etire Williams family, may God comfort & keep you in this trying time. All I can still see is Fast Black flying aroung the corner of the track @ Linden McKinley…Well my bother, you have turned the corned to your Heavenly Finish Line, noe you're runnin' with Angles…R.I.P. my Brother…
Williams family you are in our prayers
Gone to soon but GOD has another plan for him. To the family may God bless you
WILL MISS THAT SMILING FACE AND ALL THAT GOOD ADVICE THROUGH THE YEARS. SURELY THE LORD WILL LIFT THE WILLIAMS FAMILY IN IT'S MOST DIFFICULT TIMES. BAYBUTT, SONI, PAMELA AND MEME….THE GIRLS HAVE THE FAMILY IN OUR HEARTS …..ALL OUR LOVE….VALINDA, TONY, AND TRULY MRS. WILLIAMS…U LOVED US FROM WINDSOR "es;BRICK"es; TERRACE AND HELPED RAISE US AND THAT IS A CONNECTION THAT WE WILL NEVER FORGET….
May God be with you all during your time of sorrow. There is no sorrow that Heaven cant heal
My prayers go out to the family!, that they are strenghten and comforted by our father God! Rodney was every bodies
family and his time here was a blessing for me. But the lord said it is time for another journey for his angel to venture. Rodney thank you for your grace and loving smile and friendship..
Rodney you where one of the funniest, loving and amazing persons I knew. I love you, and miss you Thank you for making my cousin Linda so happy for so many years. You may not be here with us but you have left us plenty to remember and smile about. Everytime I think of you I smile. Till we meet again. In my best Rodney voice "es;Riiiight Riiiight"es;
Sending prayers for the Rodney Williams Family please accept my deepest condolences and sympathy for your lost.
We are sorry to hear about Rodney and will keep your families in prayer.
You are always among us in spirit and with a smile that will never waivier. Stay close and watch over your family and friends as you always have. Rest little brother in your father's arms.
Rodney was a former co-worker and friend. It was always a pleasure to talk to him. My deepest sympathy to the entire Williams family.
I too share in your loss……
To the Williams Family, during your time of sorrow may fond memories of Rodney lift up your spirits. Continued love and prayers to you all.