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BORN
1933
DIED
2025
Rod Paige Obituary
He served as U.S. Secretary of Education during the George W. Bush administration, and he was a key part of developing the No Child Left Behind law in an effort to improve schools nationwide.
He is also being remembered for his years in education as a teacher, football coach, and administrator.
Paige was a U.S. Navy veteran who served in the 1950s.
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
26 Entries
Davis Family
December 21, 2025
To the Family and Friends of Dr. Rod Paige,
I send you my heartfelt condolences and sympathy at this difficult time. Dr. Paige will be missed by all who loved him. His lifelong dedication to education and love of helping young people earned him many accolades and honors. His many accomplishments speak of his commitment to education, having earned both a master's and a doctoral degree in education. He was even named as one of "Houston's 25 most powerful people". Thank you, Dr. Page. Your education legacy will continue.
Treasure your good memories, and may they bring you some comfort. God is close to the brokenhearted, and He will comfort you. He will give you the strength to cope. May Dr. Rod Paige rest in God's memory. He will not forget the good works Dr. Paige has done. May prayers strengthen you and God´s loyal love always comfort and sustain you. -Psalm 23
Preston Montgomery
December 20, 2025
You are in my prayers!
May the comfort of the Holy Spirit Be with you today and always.
Preston Montgomery
1957 - 1960 Football Player - Utica, MS
601-866-7835
Willie James Taylor
December 20, 2025
Send my sincere condolences to each of you.
May God guide you to a supernatural healing from your loss.
Willie James Taylor
Class of 1958 & 1960 Utica, MS
(601)918-9739
Marilyn Moore
December 18, 2025
Rest in Peace, Dr. Paige. My condolences to the family, colleagues, friends fellow Mississippians and Jacksonians of Jackson State University. I am a proud member of the Class of 1978.
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Julie Fitzpatrick
December 17, 2025
My sincere heartfelt condolences to Stephanie as she says goodbye to her love. May God give you comfort.
Mrs. Janice T. Phillips
December 17, 2025
My condolences to the family & may God wrap his loving arms around this family and strengthen them as only he can do.
Edith Richardson LaFleur
December 16, 2025
Deepest condolences to family
Clinton T. Brewster
December 15, 2025
Rev. Clinton T. Brewster
Texas Southern University
School of Business
B.B.A. 1992
Football Alumnus (Quarterback)
1986-89
Dr. Rubye Purnell Funchess, Ph.D.
December 15, 2025
My heart will forever be saddened by the death of Coach Paige. In addition to his becoming the first Black Secretary of Education, I will never forget that he, (along with Coach Robert "Bob" Hill), had11 football players to be drafted into the NFL from Jackson State in one season.
Dr. Paige was an outstanding person who will be remembered by many at Jackson State University as well as within his home state.
Viseeta Crummedyo-Brown
December 15, 2025
My memories are from Texas Southern Universtiy. My mother (Johnnye Crummedyo) was his secretary when he was the Athletic Director and TSU. My sincere condolences to the family. From Dr. Viseeta Crummedyo-Brown
Judy Whitman
December 15, 2025
Sorrow to hear of the passing of Rod. Being an educator shows that Rod cared about others and this was his means of helping many. He will be remembered by people whose lives he made a great impact. May God be with your family and bring you comfort.
Emma Joahanne Thomas-Smith
December 14, 2025
Always fair, forthright, fearlessly driven to see youth succeed, Dr. Rod Paige. He was an advocate for family engagement in education and, as superintendent and later as U.S. Secretary of Education, practiced what he preached. In short, the very essence of Dr. Paige's leadership is to be always honored and respected. His type leader is rare indeed. Dr. Emma Joahanne Thomas-Smith, Provost Emerita, Prairie View A&M University.
Addie Mason
December 13, 2025
My memories are from Jackson State University and the legacy he left behind. Addie Mason wife of the late LeRoy Mason who played football for him. Rest in peace and my condolences to the family.
Claudean Mathis
December 13, 2025
My prayers and condolences to Rod Paige´s family, friends and associates. May he rest in the arms of Jesus. Be Encouraged!!,
Paula Johnson
December 13, 2025
My deepest sympathies to the family.
Harriet A. (Fields) Smith
December 12, 2025
Dr. Paige handed me my diploma when I graduated from the College of Education in 1986 and he approved my contract as a principal in the Houston Independent School District in 1999. I respected his leadership and vision for the field of education and his concern for providing the best education possible for all students. My condolences to his family at this time of bereavement.
SYLVIA F. Macy
December 12, 2025
GOD Bless Dr. Paige
May He Rest
In Peace
Janice O´Brien
December 12, 2025
I send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed. RIP Mr. Paige.
RR
December 12, 2025
Prayers for the Paige family, May God be with you to help you in your time of loss.
Susan Gunnewig
December 11, 2025
"No one rises to low expectations!"
-Dr. Rod Paige
Four years prior to his departure to Washington, this quotation was stated over and over during my tenure as HISD Asst. Reading Manager.In every meeting and in every speech he was consistent. He would also say, "If better is possible, then good won't do." When he was appointed Sec. of Education, I weeped because our district was losing a masterful leader who was for EVERY child. After his departure, my husband I visited him in DC. Washington had not changed him. He was still wearing cowboy boots and he discussed his deep disappointment of states who were not supporting No Child Left Behind as aggressively as expected. Our paths crossed three more times afterwards. I will never forget the first time I saw him. He was on the HISD School Board.I was a young third grade teacher at Wesley Elementary. Dr. Paige and Thaddeus Lott, my Principal, were walking down the hall. Two legends! They do not make them like that anymore.
Mr.Jr.
December 11, 2025
My Condolences.
Willis Davis
December 11, 2025
My condolences for the loss of your loved one. Rod will be remembered by the many lives he touched as an educator. The compassion that Rod showed toward others will never be forgotten by our Almighty God. May God be with your family during this difficult time.
D. Chavis
December 11, 2025
Prayers and sincere condolences for the Paige family.
RB
December 11, 2025
A dedication educator that continued to be a help as a politician and director of education. Sincere condolences to the Paige family, May God be with you all in your time of loss.
ER
December 10, 2025
Deep sympathy to Mr. Paige´s family and friends. We hope the fond memories of your loved one always be cherished.
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
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