Oren Wallace Rodden

Mr. Rodden, age 84, went home peacefully to be with the Lord on September 6, 2017. Born January 10, 1933 in Mecklenburg County, he was the son of the late Grace Morris Rodden and Archie Herman Rodden, Sr. Oren was a 1951 graduate of Derita High School. He then served in the United States Air Force where he worked as a crew chief at Andrews Air Force Base guarding the Washington DC area. After 25 years of service, he retired from Bellsouth where he was active in the local CWA Union. Following retirement, Oren's entrepreneurial spirit led him to many ventures - starting MSR Trucking; owning and operating one of Charlotte's first food trucks, Big Time Hot Dog Stand and offering Custom Garden Tilling services throughout the city.

Oren brought laughter to any situation and no matter the day nor what he was facing - he was always "fine and dandy".

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Hoover Rodden; two daughters, Kimberly Smith (Kyle) and Debby Broughton (Andy); a son, Greg Rodden (Shannon); six grandchildren, Taylor Hood (Chris), Blaine Smith (Bri), Ashley Straubinger (Ross), Drew Broughton, Elizabeth Rodden and Katherine Mae Rodden; and a great grandson, Orion Smith.

The service to celebrate Oren's life will be held 3:00 PM Monday September 11th at McEwen Funeral Service - Derita Chapel. The family will receive friends 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.

Arrangements by McEwen Funeral Service - Derita Chapel, 6300 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28262 (704-596-3291). Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenderitachapel.com.