Robert Eugene Rodney

Gene was born in Cleveland, Mississippi on June 10, 1949, to the late Amos Claude and Helawease (Conn) Rodney. He graduated from Dry Prong High School in Dry Prong, Louisiana in 1967. He then attended Louisiana Tech University where he received degrees in Math and Computer Sciences. During his second year of college and eleven days after her high school graduation, he married the love of his life, Susan Diane Marr.

Gene began his career at the Piggly Wiggly Computer Center in Shreveport, LA. It was always his goal to work for IBM, and in 1977, they moved to Plano, TX where he began to fulfill that dream. After 37 years and a transfer to Bentonville, AR, Gene retired from IBM. Following his retirement luncheon, he started working that very afternoon for Direct Systems Support and continued to work there until Sunday morning when Jesus called him home. While he did have a career in the technology industry, his true passion was coaching young kids and encouraging them to be all they can be. As one of his players said, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, Sunday School teacher, coach, mentor, spiritual counselor, teacher, role model, hard worker, motivator, and dear friend. He was an avid lover of all sports and was the Bentonville Tigers’ #1 Fan. Most Friday nights, you could find him in the Press Box at Tiger Football Stadium running the clock for the Bentonville Tiger Football Team. A faithful follower of Christ, Gene was known for his integrity, welcoming smile at church, and servant’s heart.

Gene is survived by his wife of 52 years Susan Rodney; his sons, Chris (Amy) Rodney and Cory (Donnelle) Rodney, both of Bentonville, AR; grandchildren, Brooke (Andy) Johnson of Springfield, MO, Krista (Dylan) Price of Bentonville, AR, Preston Rodney, and Parker Rodney; one sister, Mary Lee (Royce) McNeal of Marksville, LA; one niece, Candace Rogers and one nephew, Jamie Guillot, both of Marksville, LA; and one great-niece, Kennedy Rogers.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Shannon Rodney and his father-in-law, Donn Marr.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 12, 2021, from 4:30pm-6:30pm, and a Celebration of Life will be held the following day beginning at 10:00am, both at First Baptist Church of Bentonville in Bentonville, Arkansas. A graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Please include “In Memory of Gene Rodney” to NWA FCA, PO Box 434, Lowell, AR 72745 or www.NwaFca.org