Roger Boyd Rodden, 73, passed peacefully at his home in Roswell, GA, on November 29, 2023. surrounded by family and loved ones.
Roger led a full and rich life as an entrepreneur, history buff and avid golfer. Born on November 18, 1950, to Eulala (Boyd) and army serviceman Thomas Rodden, Roger grew up with his 4 siblings in Taylorville, IL. His favorite childhood memories were playing in the 1963 Illinois State Championships as a Little League shortstop and summer adventures with cousins in the Ozarks. Roger earned a BS in Business from Eastern Illinois University and was a member of the Sigma Pi fraternity. In 1973, he married the love of his life, Nadine (Ludwig) of Hillsboro, IL. During their 50 years together, Roger and Nadine raised two daughters, created beautiful homes, and provided much encouragement and support to one another in their respective entrepreneurial successes. In 1977, Roger and family moved to Cresco, IA, where he served the farming community by managing the Rodden-Johnson John Deere Implement and met some of his dearest lifelong friends. In 1988, they relocated to Roswell, GA, where he started a new business as a vehicle wholesaler, financier, and mentor to others in the industry—a career that he enjoyed for over 35 years.
Surviving family includes his wife Nadine, two daughters, Alison Rodden with spouse Yohan Ferdinando and Erin "Lola" Rodden; two grandchildren, Bodhi and Luca George; and siblings: Tom Rodden, Jr with Mary Donna Rodden, Randy Rodden with Dolores Wood Rodden, army serviceman Doug Rodden with Valerie Rodden, and Susan Yezbick with Dr James Yezbick.
Funeral services and interment of ashes will be held on January 16 at the Honey Creek Woodlands Preserve in Conyers, GA, followed by a celebration of life at Brookfield Country Club in Roswell, GA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hope for the Warriors. Donations may be made by checks (preferred) payable to Hope for the Warriors and mailed to Nadine or collected at the celebration of life. Online contributions may be made at https://tinyurl.com/roger-rodden-donation (Please indicate Roger Rodden as honoree and narodden@bellsouth.net as recipient.)
Roger/Dad/Vernie, we adore you for all the humor, storytelling, nicknames, endless teasing, legendary rounds on the links, competitive nights at jeopardy, and that infectious laugh. Time to "fire it up!" in your cherry red '65 GTO. We love you, always.