On September 21, 1965, the Lord brought forth into this world Rodney Murphy in Cleveland, Ohio to the parentage of Elizabeth and Willie Murphy Sr.

Rodney attended Cleveland Public Schools and was also in the process of furthering his education with an advanced degree.

Early in his life, Rodney met and married Debra and they were blessed with a son, Arim Mikar. He later met Julie, who gave birth to Tylar. In 1994, he met Shalaine Murphy, and the two married in 1999. Rodney and Shalaine were blessed with the births of Samaria Tanya Lee, Lyndsey Savannah and Camerin James.

Rodney joined the army in 1986, and he served for twelve years. While serving, he advanced in rank to an E6 Sergeant of Ft Bragg and was also a paratrooper. As his career continued, he served in the National Guard and was called in to active duty during 9/11. Upon Honorable Discharge he began his career at the Department of Justice as a Correctional Officer advancing to become a Supervisor in the Food Service Department. Rodney had a total of 34 years of service and retired in May of 2020.

Rodney was a hard worker, and he prided himself on mastering all tasks he put his mind to. He had an intense yearning to learn – it didn’t take him long to become an expert on the topics of his interest, which led him to become a master debater! He liked helping others complete tasks and often gave insight on life, business, and entrepreneurship. Rodney loved having deep, thought-provoking conversations and his perspective was known to help others become better.

Rodney had many hobbies including golf and tinkering around with model cars, airplanes, and drones. He could fix most anything and any job that proved to be a challenge to most was an easy fix for him. During his down time, he could be seen working on cars with his best friends Ernest and Timothy. Making time to visit with family and friends was important to him. He also enjoyed reading, football and basketball and helped to coach his son Camerin’s team. Rodney was also a music lover and enjoyed listening to hip-hop and R&B.

A man with keen intuition, Rodney loved to retreat to the tranquility of the countryside and nature parks and would take long walks to connect with God. During the past two years of his retirement, he made friends with the neighborhood squirrels and fed them peanuts daily.

Rodney loved his wife and children deeply. He often showed this through sharing moments of wisdom and guidance with them. They traveled often and family trips to the beach were his favorite. He was a giver and loved to secretly bless others.

Rodney passed away on Friday, April 29, 2022. His father, Willie Sr. preceded him in death.

Rodney leaves to cherish his memory his wife; Shalaine (Shayy), his children; Arim, Tylar, Samaria, Lyndsey and Camerin; mother, Elizabeth; brothers; Willie LeNiel, Darrick (Robyn), Westley (Felice), Brian and Kelsey, sisters; Veronica Diana, Wanda Gaye and Denise “Dee Dee”, sister-in-law; Brittney and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and many treasured friends.

His life and legacy have been established and will continue. He will be TRULY missed!

Lovingly Submitted,

The Family