Rodney John Walter's Obituary
Rodney John Walter, 65, went from labor to reward Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Frisco, TX, with his family by his side. He was born April 11, 1951 in Corsicana, TX, to Velma and Johnnie Walter. He excelled in both aca-demics and sports. He was the first African American to attend Corsicana High School, where he was an honor student and elected class secretary. Rodney was a track star and starting running back for the Corsicana Tigers. He received a full football scholar-ship to North Texas State University (now University of North Texas). After college, he earned his master’s degree in accounting from NTSU and began working at Rockwell International in Richardson, TX. He worked at Rockwell for 27 years in various financial positions, rising to Director of Business Development in Seal Beach, CA. He ended his career as Senior Vice President of Business Development and Communications for Meritor Automotive in Troy, MI. Rodney married his beautiful wife Barbara in 1980. She also worked at Rockwell. He became a loving step-father to Darius and Shenikwa Stratford. In 1981, they welcomed their son Rodney John Walter II. Rodney Senior had three siblings. His older and and only sister, Clara Pullen, proceeded him in death in 1994. His younger brothers, Lynn and Ken Walter, said while they were growing up, he was the “pacesetter” for the family. Lynn said, he was a “mentor” – inspiring he and Ken to also attend Corsicana High School and go on to college. Ken said he was “a role model, hero and best friend all in one.” He was a “trailblazer” and “simply the best”. These are words repeated over and over again by all who knew him. Rodney enjoyed music, including Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Prince, Phil Collins, Toni Braxton and The Jacksons – artists of his generation. He always had a fast car, though he never received a speeding ticket. He loved travel, work and helping others achieve their potential. He is survived by his mother Velma Thomas, Aunt Jean Black, Aunt Bertha Walter, brothers, children, grandchildren, cousins and nieces and nephews. The visitation is Sunday, September 25, 2016 from 6 pm to 8 pm at Restland Funeral Home at 13005 Greenville Avenue in Dallas. The funeral services are Monday, September 26, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Christian Chapel CME Church at 14120 Noel Road in Dallas.
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