Obituary of R.J. Roddy

Services for R.J. Roddy, 89, Troup will be held on Thursday, August 28th at 2:00 p.m. at the Troup Church of Christ with Jim Heath and David Jenkinson officiating. Burial, with military honors, will be in the Pinecrest Cemetary, Troup, under the direction of Cottle Funeral Home, Troup. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, August 27th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Roddy went home to be with His Lord on Monday, August 25th after a five month battle with cancer. Mr. Roddy was an educator in Troup and the surrounding East Texas area for over 37 years. He coached basketball, taught Math and served as a High School Principal. After retiring from the field of Education in 1978, he worked in the personnel department of Neckover Trailers for several years. Mr. Roddy was an active member of the Troup Church of Christ where he served as Bible class teacher, treasurer and Elder. He was also treasurer of the Troup Friends of the Library and was a Rotarian. A decorated World War II veteran, Mr. Roddy served in the Anti-Aircraft Artillery and the War of Occupation in Europe. He graduated from Mixon High School in 1937 and attended Lon Morris College, Jacksonville. He received both his Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches. Mr. Roddy was born in Mixon on April 10, 1919 to Martin Luther and Ethel Rasco Roddy. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as two older brothers, Herman and Oran Roddy. Mr. Roddy married Navoleine Ross, October 24, 1941, in Tyler. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Navoleine Roddy of Troup, as well as his three daughters and their husbands: Patsy and Alan Fisher of Teasleville, Rita Jo and Dwade Reinsch of Mesquite and Becky and Dennis Mays of Selma, North Carolina. He was blessed with six grandchildren, Amy Buwalda of Allen, Chris Reinsch of Lead Hill, Arkansas, Jennifer Reinsch of Houston, Josh Mays of Wilson, NC, Matthew Mays of Selma, NC and Sara Price of Wilmington, NC. He also enjoyed five great grandchildren, Brittany and Todd Reinsch, Brett and Tanner Buwalda and Jordan Mays, two dear sisters- in- law, Ruth Cole and Anita Ross, of Mixon, and a host of nieces, nephews and other extended family. Pallbearers will be Billy Ross, John Stockton, Tim Ross, Les Langston, Gene Ray Roddy, Tell Ross and Jeff Berry. If desired, memorials may be made in his honor to The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, Texas 75701 or to the Cameron J. Jarvis Troup Municipal Library, P.O. Box 721, Troup, Texas 75789 or the Troup Church of Christ, P.O. Box 308, Troup, Texas 75789. The family would like to thank the many people who supported R.J. and Navoleine throughout his illness. They are especially grateful to the nurses and staff at The Hospice of East Texas for the compassionate care they provided during his last days.