At an early age, Rodney joined the Shady Grove AME Church. Later, he joined the Mount Zion AME Church where his mother and father were members. He attended and graduated from Monticello High School in 1982. He was employed by the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Rodney will be lovingly remembered by those he leaves behind: his mother, Eura Lee Ridgell-Smith; three brothers, Sam(Marilyn) of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Lemuel(Evelyn) Ridgell, Jr, and David Karon(Kristi) Ridgell of Monticello, Arkansas; one sister, Louise Dobbins, of Monticello, Arkansas and one step-sister, Deena Smith-Jones of Bryant, Arkansas; two uncles, Monroe(Bernestine) Harris and Wayman(Leola) Harris, of Flint Michigan; two aunts, Annie Jean (Earl) Ridgell of Clio, Michigan, and Elizabeth Harris of Flint, Michigan; and a devoted caretaker, Janice Ridgell of Monticello, Arkansas, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Condolences(20)
Violet Perez
Milan, MI Monday, September 16, 2013 I used to work with Rodney At the U of M .I just found out the sad news almost 2 yrs later .I didn't have his ph #but occasionally he would call work and we would talk and catch up.I have been thinking of him alot over the last year or so and wondering why we haven't heard anything from him.I have always missed him he was just a fun loving person and a practical joker who would have me laughing till i was reduced to tears.He is truly missed now and always but me and my co-workers will always have such fond memories of our time together.love you Rodney!Bernice Trussell
Ann Arbor, MI Monday, September 16, 2013 Oh My God I am so sorry to hear of Rodney's passing, We just found out. My Condolence to the Family. Rodney was such a joy to work with there were always stories that he would keep us in stitches laughing about. He would call us from time to time and keep us updated on what was going on with him and I was just telling my co-worker Rodney haven't call us in a while how's he doing now we know. My prayers to the Family.Bernice Trussell
Ann Arbor, MI Monday, September 16, 2013 Oh My God I am so sorry to hear of Rodney's passing, We just found out. My Condolence to the Family. Rodney was such a joy to work with there were always stories that he would keep us in stitches laughing about. He would call us from time to time and keep us updated on what was going on with him and I was just telling my co-worker Rodney haven't call us in a while how's he doing now we know. My prayers to the Family.sandy hughes
, AL Monday, October 31, 2011 i am so sorry for your loss. i just today read of rodney's passing. i graduated with him and he will be missed at our next reunion.Terrye Davidson Davis
CONWAY, AR Saturday, October 29, 2011 Rodney was a friend of mine for many years. He was so funny and caring. My thoughts are with all his family. May you now Rest in peace and love Rodney.Marshall goodman
monticello, AR Saturday, October 29, 2011 REST IN PEACE, FRIEND!!!!!!!!!!!!Tiffany Gathen
Pine Bluff, AR Saturday, October 29, 2011 This is such a sad loss. My prayers are with the family. Please know that you are in my heart. Love you guysDeidra Martin
monticello, AR Saturday, October 29, 2011 My prayers goes out to the Ridgell family...Kimberly Williams
Monticello, AR Friday, October 28, 2011 My deepest condolences go out to the family and we will keep you in our prayersDebra L. Harris-Ruffin
Detroit, MI Friday, October 28, 2011 Rest in peace my dear cousin. I hope you knew that you were really loved. There was never a time that I or anyone else in your presence, that you didn't have us laughing. See you next lifetime. Love , DebbieBarbara Benton
Warren, AR Friday, October 28, 2011 Karon, I was so shocked to hear that you had lost your brother. I hope that the memories you have of him will help you get through this difficult time. You and your family are in my prayers.Your classmate, Barbara Vincent Benton
Angie Frost
Monticello, AR Friday, October 28, 2011 I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in our thoughts & prayers!!Alice Haris
Romulus, MI Thursday, October 27, 2011 Thinking of you today with deep and sincere sympathy. May you rest in peace, dear NephewCharles (Chuckie) Harris
, TX Thursday, October 27, 2011 Rodney for sure was nothing short of a daring trendsetter and loving family member to us all. I want to celebrate what God created and gave to us for a time. Rodney lived....and his joy, laughter, and love remain. My prayer is that God continues to comfort our family and the lives he touched...knowing that when we transition that we'll meet him and others again. As the saints of old would sing,"What a day that it will be when we all see Jesus." Rodney...You are and always will be loved!Your Cousin,
Chuckie
Jana Lambert
Monticello, AR Thursday, October 27, 2011 He was a beloved friend and will truly be missed. He will always be with me and loved. I'm sorry for his family lost and if there's anything that you need please free to contact me.Jeri Taylor-Hobbs
Monticello, AR Thursday, October 27, 2011 We are so sorry to hear of your loss. I graduated with Rodney. I will keep your family in my prayers.Sincerely,
Jeri & Johnny Hobbs
Brookzine Scott
Monticello, AR Thursday, October 27, 2011 I'm very sorry for your lost. May you find peace at this time.Melanie Rawls
Monticello, AR Wednesday, October 26, 2011 I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for your continued strenght in the days ahead.Jimmy Hill & Family
Monticello, AR Wednesday, October 26, 2011 To the Ridgell Family,Our hearts and prayers go out to each of you during this difficult time. If there is anything we can do please call on us. Lots of memories seeing you grow up while working at Safeway.
Love, Jimmy & Donna Hill, Stephen & Carrie Hill, John & Paige (Hill), Jayson, Colt, Jake, Brad, & Jared Stell, and Marnell VanCleave
Helen Thatcher
Duluth, MN Wednesday, October 26, 2011 I helped deliver him and care for him in the nursery. I developed a bond with him, and all these years, he has been as much in my mind and spirit as my own children. I am so sorry for your loss. If this is so difficult for me, how much more so it must be for you.