Roderick Johnson, 45, of Jackson, MS was called to his eternal home on October 5, 2016.

He was born in Jackson, MS on October 27, 1970, son of Willie and Geraldine Brown. He is survived by his mother, Geraldine Brown; his wife, Candace and their two children, Cameron and Lauryn. He is also survived by his brother, Derrick Brown and wife, Natalie; his uncle, Melvin Johnson and wife, Laverne; cousin, Xavier Johnson; father-in-law, Joe Golson and wife, Ferdesa; brother-in-law, Justin Golson and wife, Bridgette; brother-in-law, Greg Golson; and many other relatives and loved ones.

You’d be hard pressed to meet someone more proud to represent the schools from which they attended. Rod (or Che’, which is what family and hometown friends call him), graduated from Callaway HS in 1988. He played the Saxophone in the school band and bragged that he didn’t need sheet music but only needed to hear a song to be able to play it again by ear. In 1996, he graduated from the “Mighty Jackson State University” with degrees in both Mass Communications and Sociology.

After graduation, Rod relocated to Dallas, TX where he met his wife, Candace. Their first encounter was at a social event where the first thing he said to her was, “What are you doing this weekend? Do you wanna get married?” They were married, June 10, 2006. Rod and Candace have two children together, Cameron, 7-years-old and Lauryn, 4-years-old.

Rod worked as an IT manager, but his true passion was in sports. An avid sports enthusiast, Rod co-hosted a 7-year running, sports radio show, ‘The Sports Kings’. The last 3 years of which were broadcast on Yahoo Sports Radio. He enthusiastically coached his son, Cameron’s baseball teams and whenever the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Cubs or LA Lakers were scheduled to play, he would say, “we” have a game.

Rod is best known for his personality. Selfless, loyal, caring, funny, dependable and sincere are just a few words to describe his character. His laughter was infectious and the nature of his spirit made every encounter special. He was a pillar of strength in a storm, a shoulder to lean on during weariness, a comedian at the drop of a dime and a genuine friend and loved one to all. He touched the lives of many­ here on earth and is now doing the same in Heaven.

A ‘Celebration of Life’ Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Covenant Church, 975 South Central Expressway, McKinney, TX 75070.