Rodney Maurice Culver, Jr.

Rodney Maurice Culver Jr. affectionately known as ‘Hot Rod,’ was born on August 31, 1997 in Columbus, Ohio to Rodney Culver Sr. and Sharon Banner. He went home to be with the Lord on July 17, 2024. Rodney is proceeded in death by his grandfather Charles Ray Benson; his maternal great grandmother, Nora Dean Burger; paternal great grandmothers, Ruthie Harris and Edith Culver; paternal great-grandfather John Culver; and cousins, Branden Mosely and Franklin Culver Jr.

Rodney Culver Jr. is survived by his parents, Rodney Culver Sr., Sharon Culver; younger sisters, Moriah and Sanai Culver. He also leaves behind loving grandmothers, Sharon Whitted and Sherry Benson. Rodney leaves two very special great aunts, Nadean Ellis and Angela Mosley in addition to a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends to cherish him in love.

Rodney gave his life to Christ as a young child and made sure to renew his relationship with God before his departure. Rodney was quiet, yet charismatic. His electrifying smile and compassionate heart won over anyone who was in his presence. Even as a child, he possessed the ability to light up any room, making others smile and feel special.

Rodney graduated from Pickerington Central High School in 2015. He was noted as being, ‘The Engine,’ of their basketball team, Simply a great athlete and an even better person. He went on to play Division I basketball at Ohio University, and continued his basketball career at Vincennes University prior to earning his degree. Rodney was a Physical Education Teacher/Basketball Coach at 

Eastland Preparatory Academy (EPA), where he worked alongside his mother. During his tenure at EPA, he was passionate about mentoring the youth and touched the lives of many of his students. Students would often say that Rodney made them feel safe and loved. He commanded respect and students strived to make him proud. Rodney most recently worked at John Hinderer Honda located in Heath, Ohio. His John Hinderer family shared that he was a joy to work with and a positive impact in their lives.

Rodney loved his family dearly. He enjoyed creating memories with family and friends, watching movies, and listening to the sound of waves as he walked on the beach. He looked forward to debating with his father on a range of topics from sports to politics and with his mother; he cherished just sitting in her presence and making her smile. He was not only a big brother to his sisters, but their protector and safe space. One of his favorite quotes to reference was from his late paternal grandfather. He often would say, “Self-Preservation is the First Law of Nature.” That is to suggest that you must first take care of yourself, so that you in return can take care of others. It is almost certain that he was a young philosopher in the making. Rodney was wise beyond his years, his self-awareness made his relationships more meaningful and his interactions more genuine. This made it even easier for him to connect effortlessly and feel deeply for others. If there was ever an opportunity to make a positive difference, he succeeded.

Rodney Maurice Culver Jr., WE already miss you immensely. Until WE meet again, WE will hold you and our memories safely in our hearts. It is never a goodbye, for WE shall see you again.

Those we love do not go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still LOVED, still missed and very dear.

We love you Rodney.

Visitation 10:00 AM and Funeral Service 11:00 AM Thursday, August 1, 2024 at Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies, 870 St Clair Ave. Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens