Celebrating the Life of Rodney Eugene Evans

On Friday, July 23, 2021, Rodney Eugene Evans peacefully transitioned into his eternal heavenly home after a brief illness.

Rodney was born on December 18, 1981, to Daisy and Richard E. Evans in Charleston, West Virginia. He grew up attending Greater Emmanuel Gospel Tabernacle, under the leadership of Bishop Norman B. Jones, where he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was baptized as a teenager. He was active in the choir, usher board and youth ministry.

A lover of all things football, especially the San Francisco 49ers, Rodney himself was a stellar athlete who was a member of the football and track and field championship teams at Nitro High School as well as an outstanding jumper for the Ropes in Harmony jump rope team. He matriculated through the Kanawha County school system and graduated from Marshall University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, where he also pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Rodney never met a stranger. His infectious smile, engaging personality and tremendous work ethic all contributed to a successful career in outside sales for companies like Kraft/Nabisco, Gordon Food Service, Pepsi Co/Frito Lay and Dixie/Red Bull.

On April 20, 2013, Rodney married the former Christine Meinking of Cincinnati, Ohio. From this union, three beautiful little girls were born: Sadie Jane (7), Rylie Renee (5) and Kelsie Eugenia Cassandra (4). There was no doubt that these three little girls were his entire world. He was proud to show any and everyone their pictures and to brag on their achievements. Being a daddy was the joy of his life.

Rodney had a servant heart and faithfully gave of his time, talent and treasure to serve his community with organizations like Teen Institute (TI), Habitat for Humanity, Whiz Kids and City Gospel Mission. He served at Crossroads Church on the campus of the University of Cincinnati mentoring college students.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frieda Edmonds, Othelia Evans, and Coy and Thelma Foster.

He is survived by his wife, Christine and their children, Sadie, Rylie and Kelsie of Cincinnati, OH; his loving parents, Daisy and Richard Evans of Cross Lanes, WV; brother, Rick (Courtney) of West Palm Beach, FL; niece, Kyra Evans-Hughes of Lexington, KY; god-parents, Carolyn and Kevin Wilborne of Nitro, WV; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Loved for his quick wit and humor, Rodney will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 31, at Grace Bible Church, 600 Kanawha Blvd. W, Charleston, WV 25302. Elder James Reese will be officiating with Rev. James "Lennie" Edmonds as eulogist. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.

Friends and family may visit two hours prior to the service at Grace Bible Church, Charleston.

At the family's request, masks will be required and everyone's temperature will be taken before entering the church. For the mandatory COVID Health Screening that must be completed prior to entering the church, please visit https://tinyurl.com/myj8pxf8

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar