Michael David Rodes

Michael David Rodes, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many, passed away on August 17, 2024 in Tallahassee, Florida. Born on January 11th, 1959, in Beckley, West Virginia to Thomas Jackson Rodes and Shirley Pittman Rodes (both deceased), Michael's life was one of dedication and love.

He is survived by his loving wife Leslie Rodes; cherished daughter Mindee Rodes & Andrew Penick; devoted son David (Ashley)Rodes; adored grandsons David Jackson Rodes and Adrian Joseph Rodes; brother Jerry (Melanie) Rodes; sister Pamela (John) Dollinger; dear aunt Kathryn Sue (Shep) Nazworth and all his nieces & nephews. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Michael served his country with honor and distinction as a member of the United States Navy for 26 years. His commitment to service continued as he dedicated himself to law enforcement for 30 years without incident. He was known for his unwavering integrity and selfless devotion to protecting others.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael had a passion for the outdoors. He found solace in fishing and hunting - activities that allowed him to connect with nature while creating lasting memories with loved ones and friends. He also enjoyed the 20 years of memories and friendships he made as a member of the Odd Fellows.

In addition to being a dedicated public servant and avid outdoorsman, Michael was also a pillar of strength within his family. He provided unwavering support during both joyful moments and times of hardship. His wisdom guided those around him through life's challenges with grace and compassion.

The loss of Michael leaves an indelible void in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. The impact he made will be felt for generations to come as his legacy continues through those whose lives he touched so deeply.

Though we mourn this profound loss today, let us find comfort in remembering the immeasurable love that defined Michael's life - love for family, friends, community - leaving behind memories that will continue to inspire us all.

The Rodes family will host a visitation on Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Capital Room at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home | Riggins Road Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 23, 2024, at Calvary Chapel Tallahassee. Following the service, interment will be at 1:00 pm at Tallahassee National Cemetery.

In addition to being a loving husband, father, and grandfather, Mike Rodes' impressive life included three parallel careers: law enforcement; police instructor/trainer; and service in the United States Navy, both active duty and reserve. His Navy service included assignment on board the USS Portland, a large amphibious ship, as part of an expeditionary strike group assigned to the peacekeeping mission in Beirut in 1983. Marines and Sailors were sent ashore and engaged in numerous skirmishes with terrorists while trying to restore peace in a country torn by civil war. While on duty as watch officer on the Portland, Mike witnessed the massive explosion of the Hezbollah suicide truck bomb that brought down the Marine Corp barracks and killed 241 marines and sailors on October 23, 1983. Moments later, Mike, and others, were in a helicopter flying ashore to render assistance. For the next several days, Mike worked tirelessly giving medical aid to the wounded and pulling the dead from the rubble. He was later assigned to be the communications department head aboard USS Pegasus, the Navy’s new and experimental high-speed hydrofoil interdiction ship, where he conducted counter-drug operations throughout the Caribbean. While assigned to the Pegasus, Mike became the first-ever Second Class Petty Officer to be qualified as Officer of the Deck and Pilot of the Pegasus Class Hydrofoil. After service on the Pegasus, he met and married the love of his life, and switched to the reserves, where his service continued spanning several continents and with many more promotions and recognitions. Notably, he was instrumental in ensuring the success of dozens of humanitarian missions throughout Africa and the former Soviet Union; the main objective of these missions was to prevent terrorist recruitment in developing nations. In this capacity, he provided direct anti-terrorism/force protection support and leadership to mission operations in the most remote and isolated parts of Africa and the Baltic countries. Mike retired from the Navy as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in September of 2007 after 27 years of honorable and dedicated service to his country.

Due to his background in investigations working with groups such as NCIS. He passionately pursued a law enforcement career. Mr. Rodes graduated from Lively Law Enforcement Academy for Corrections in 1987. He worked for Leon County Sheriff’s Office corrections division then he returned to and graduated from Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy in 1988 as a certified law enforcement officer. He was hired by Florida State University Police Department as a sworn officer and worked there for 30 years. He served in many capacities - Road patrol, Investigations, and School Resource Officer at Florida High. His last 12 years he served with the Motor Unit at Florida State University Police Department. This passion drove him to participate, compete and help to organize the Capital City Challenge motorcycle rodeo competitions raising money for Special Olympians. Mike was hit by a car on his way to work by a gentleman who said he thought he could pull out before Mike got there. Mike’s pelvis was put together by a metal plate and screws. As soon as he was cleared by the doctors, his wife Leslie, and the Chief, he climbed back on his motorcycle, trained for the rodeo and rode better than ever. Mr. Rodes retired in 2017 from Florida State University Police Department and 6 months later became the Vehicle operations coordinator at Florida Public Safety Institute.

In addition to all his law enforcement work, in 1993 he became an adjunct instructor at Florida Public Safety Institute’s Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy. He taught general topics to corrections and Law Enforcement basic recruit classes. Throughout his career some of the topics he has been certified to teach are Medical First Responder, Vehicle operations, speed measurement, and Firearms. Shortly after retiring from FSU, he became the High Liability coordinator supervising Defensive Tactics, First Aid and Firearms while still maintaining the Vehicle operations Coordinator position. He has worked tirelessly and creatively to obtain donations for the Academy from various sources. To the benefit of the students and the Academy Mike was always thinking outside the box. He always said that he was here training his replacement in the LEO world. Putting the students first and ensuring they have the best training around, so they are safe when they go to the road as an LEO. He never missed the opportunity to “give back” and was most recently a recipient of the Heroes of Public Safety award from Tallahassee State College. Mike was always thinking of others.

In 2009, he became an integral member of the local and regional fraternal and charitable organization Leon Lodge #5 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows where he has served as a 3 term Nobel Grand and as Grand Master. He held various officer positions within the Lodge and was instrumental the Lodge being what it is today and was recently awarded the Degree of Chivalry which can only be awarded to deserving Canton members.

Mike approached everything with great pride and passion. He knew of no other way of doing anything. During FSU football games the concessions money was taken to a room under the stadium and counted by 8 women. Mike was security for the room and made sure the money was secure and the vendors didn’t create any problems. After the detail was over and even though Mike was off the clock, he always stayed late and went out of his way to make sure all the ladies made it safely to their vehicles. Mike got immense enjoyment working for FSU Boosters being in charge of all parking for home football games.

He always inspired those around him to be the best they could be in every endeavor they chose. He had the unique ability to make those around him strive to do better. Mike was fun to work with and I knew he always had your back. He was honest, kind and a great friend. We will miss him.

Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home is assisting the Rodes family with arrangements.