Last Friday, he went to work. Like he had for over 60 years. Yes, he retired for a year or so. But he went right back to work, believe it or not…driving a school bus early in the morning.
All of the drivers started their buses each morning and awaited a quick safety check before departing. After they all pulled away Friday morning, there was still one remaining. When they went to check it out, they found our friend Rod Rodemich laying on the ground behind the bus. He had suffered a major heart attack and died.
Rod Rodemich was 75 years old and had such a servant’s heart for the Lord! Every Sunday morning, he would arrive early to Central Methodist Church in Fayetteville, AR and pray for the Pastors preaching that day. After his retirement from Tyson Foods, he literally adopted The Joseph Project ministry we began last January. He would attend each week and do whatever he could to encourage men and women who were between jobs. We missed him greatly when his school bus driving job kept him from attending our weekly meetings.
At the memorial service on Monday, this verse was read and it captured for me how I saw Rod Rodemich. And it was a gut check for me, as well.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2Timothy 4:7
Jesus, how awesome it would be to finish our lives with this verse. But it’s so hard to do at work. Will you give us the strength TODAY, to fight the good fight? To keep the faith? Amen
David – Well said! I will miss seeing my friend and brother (even though it had become occasionally in recent times).
Rod has set an example of faithfulness and servant’s heart for us to strive for! Pastor Holifield shared that Rod had experienced a dramatic change in his life and was forever changed – I can relate. Rod’s life was a great example of how God can change hearts and change lives.
I will see you in heaven Rod – thanks for your example and your heart!
Steve Whitfield
Thanks so much for writing about Rod. When I first met Rod he didn’t know the Lord in the deep and personal way that he came too over the years. The transformation in Rod’s life both inspired and encouraged me. I will miss him dearly, but will carry his memory and his influence with me until I see him again one day down the road.