Rodney was a proud United States military veteran who served with the 101st Airborne Division. Following his military service, he became a Ford Senior Master Technician and continued serving others as a Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy. Service, duty, and a strong sense of responsibility were important parts of Rodney’s life.
Rodney is survived by his three children: Rodney J. Rickman II, Raegan Rickman, and Rhys Rickman; his fiancé, Kimberly Sparks; his mother, Juanita Rickman; and his siblings, Michelle Dillard (Billy), Barbara Laye, Anita Hall, Jesse Rickman (Kathy), Nicole Patterson-Jones (Danielle), and John Rickman (Melissa). He was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Rickman.
Rodney will be remembered for his military service, his time serving his community as a Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy, his strong personality, determination, and the many experiences and memories he shared with those around him. He leaves behind family, friends, fellow veterans, and law-enforcement colleagues who will remember him in their own way and carry forward the memories of the life they shared with him.
Visitation will be held at Schoedinger Margarum Northeast, 1051 E Johnstown Road, Gahanna, OH 43230, on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
A graveside service and interment with honors will commence at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 5600 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43213.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Rodney’s memory to Disabled American Veterans or the National Fraternal Order of Police, organizations that reflect his years of military and public service.
Disabled American Veterans: https://www.dav.org/
National Fraternal Order of Police: https://fop.net/donate/
Rodney’s life was marked by service, determination, and a commitment to the work he chose to do. He will be missed and remembered by those whose lives he touched.
Rest easy, Rodney. You are loved, you are missed, and you will never be forgotten.
