Rod Dagnan

Rod Dagnan, 79, of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, passed away on June 23, 2026. Born January 9, 1947, Rod was raised in the South and carried a deep pride in his heritage throughout his life. He spent part of his childhood in Tuscaloosa before later moving to Chattanooga, and he especially cherished visits to his grandparents on Sand Mountain—places and people that helped shape the steady perspective he brought to those around him.

A United States Navy veteran, Rod lived with a quiet resilience and a sense of duty that never needed announcement. He later retired from Trotter Buick, where his reliability and generosity were felt in the everyday ways that matter most—through consistent effort, a willingness to help, and a kind-hearted manner that put others at ease. Even in serious moments, Rod’s warm humor had a way of lightening the room without diminishing what was important.

Rod’s mind was a gift: he was truly intelligent, and that intelligence found expression in creativity as well as conversation. A very talented artist and brilliant writer, he often recalled his childhood through stories on facebook. He was also an avid TN Vols fan, following his team with the faithful enthusiasm of someone who knew that loyalty—like family—deserves to be shown year after year.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents, James and Penny Dagnan, and his brother, Jeff Dagnan. Survivors include his daughters, Sarah (Scott) Stroud and Paige (Steve) Dover; granddaughters, Haleigh Dagnan, Kassie Dover, Eradesa Stroud, Khloe Dover; great-grandchildren, Isabela, Leon and CJ; and brother, Kyle Dagnan, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions in Rod's honor may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.