Rodney Raye Barnhart

9/13/1952 -05/09/2026

beloved husband of Jodi, doting father of Clara (Emma), brother to Joyce, Nancy and Tina (Jeff), and silly uncle to Carrie, John, Michael Olivia and Alaina. Preceded in death by parents Hulon & Tillie Barnhart.

Rodney was a music lover, following many of the local Detroit rock bands in his youth. He could be frequently found at the Grande Ballroom and the Olympia. Rodney taught himself to play guitar and loved nothing more on an off-work night than to sit at home and play his guitar and sing with those he loved, leaning more towards folk artists like Marc Cohen and Peter, Paul & Mary for his in-home jam seesions.

On work nights you could find Rodney in the basement of Henry Ford Community College where he taught for 22 years. As a college professor, Rodney touched many lives, energetically sharing his love of History. Before and after classes, he often had an office full of students eager to continue a discussion with him. Rodney was passionate about teaching and developed several courses for HFCC, including pioneering the online program for the History Department.

Rodney was a devoted father; so much so that he was watching Barney while the rest of the world watched the attack on the World Trade Center. The first time Rodney laid eyes on Clara he fell in love. He was an attentive father, often accommodating her through the remainder of his life. As young as the age one, Clara could be found at HFCC, in his office, in the college halls, or under his desk in his classroom while he taught. As Clara got older, Rodney would attend every school event and volunteer opportunity just to be near her. Rodney taught Clara her first swear word and would laugh heartily retelling the story of how she "couldn't get the damn sheet on the bed at age two."

Rodney was charismatic and quick with a joke - he could make anyone in a room feel like he was their best friend. He will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at Harry J Will Funeral Homes, 34567 Michigan Avenue, Wayne, Michigan 48184, on June 11, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm (next day).

Memory Sharing will take place at Harry J Will Funeral Homes, 34567 Michigan Avenue, Wayne, Michigan 48184, on July 11, 2026, at 3:00 pm.