Born in Harrisonburg, VA, on November 24, 1936, he was the son of the late Frances (Helms) and Russell Paul Eagle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Eagle.
On June 6, 1959, he married Sylvia Liskey, who survives him.
Rodney is also survived by his three children, Russell Eagle (wife Norma), Denise “DD” Dawson (husband Tom), and Diane Eagle (husband Bill Lennen); his sister, Linda Heatwole (husband Dick); and his brother-in-law, Nolan Liskey. He leaves behind four grandchildren, Rodney P. Eagle (wife Julie), Farren Francis (husband Joel), Brianna Eagle, and Ashlynn Breeden; five great-grandchildren: Jacob Eagle, Annabelle Francis, James Francis, Lucy Francis, and Tucker Francis; as well as his niece, Amy Kuznicki (husband Eddie), his nephew, Rick Heatwole, and Rick's significant other, Pam Kiracofe.
Rodney proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from January 1956 through January 1959, achieving the rank of Corporal before his honorable discharge. He often joked that he joined the Marines to "see the world" but never actually left the United States.
An energetic entrepreneur, Rodney began his career in the egg and produce business. In 1964, he founded Eagle Carpet, which he owned and operated for decades, deeply appreciating the many employees and installers who worked alongside him through the years. He also found fulfillment working as a commercial realtor and developer.
Rodney deeply loved the City of Harrisonburg and took great pride in serving on the City Council from 1996 through 2000, and again from 2004 through 2006. He served as Mayor three different times during his tenure, playfully telling people he held the office repeatedly "until they found out about me." He loved to "drag Main" and would drive through town as often as Sylvia would allow. He possessed a vast repertoire of jokes; nine times out of ten, if someone started a joke, he already knew it, and he always had a humorous story tailored to any conversation topic.
He was an avid James Madison University fan and, despite the increased local traffic, was always excited to welcome the students back to town. He was fiercely insistent on watching the September 5, JMU vs. Liberty football game and was thrilled with the Dukes' win, though quite impatient about the weather delay, as he always preferred things to happen quickly. Go Dukes!
Rodney was a respected husband, brother, father, grandfather, and a loyal friend. If you ever met him, please know he considered you a friend. He possessed a quick wit and was slow to anger. He was a dedicated member of the Harrisonburg Elks Lodge 450, Rockingham Union Masonic Lodge 27, Eureka Masonic Lodge 195, Harrisonburg Lions Club, Valley Shrine Club, the Scottish Rite, and the Harrisonburg First Church of the Brethren.
At Rodney's explicit request, please do not wear black to his visitation or funeral. He absolutely LOVED color!
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Harrisonburg Rescue Squad.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to those who assisted Rodney on his final journey, his special friend and caregiver, Jill Olinger; night caregivers, Loretta Blosser, Megan, Brandi, and Norys; his Sentara RMH team, including Dr. Carpenter, Dr. Dua, Alex “the surgeon” from 5 West, the 3 West nursing care team, Tynessa Hazelwood, and the cardiac physicians and staff; and the nurses from Legacy for their exceptional comfort care.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Lindsey Funeral Home, Harrisonburg.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Harrisonburg First Church of the Brethren. Burial will be private.
Whether or not you are able to attend the funeral services, you are warmly invited to join the family at Eagle Carpet afterward (around 3:30). Please come share memories, celebrate his life, and honor the legacy of a truly remarkable man in a casual, comforting setting.
