Rodney Olan Britnell

With heavy hearts, the family of Rodney Olan Britnell announces his peaceful passing at home surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the age of 72.

Rodney was born on December 12, 1952, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Dorothy Chambless Britnell Powell and Charles Olan Britnell. He spent his childhood in various East Texas communities before settling in Woodville, Texas, where he graduated in 1972 from Kirby High School. In the mid-90s, he met his wife, Paula, and made his home in Winnie, Texas, where he lived the remainder of his life.

Rodney built a long and dedicated career as a truck driver with the Teamsters Union working for Yellow Freight, where he stayed until his retirement. Never one to stay idle, he continued serving others through a variety of part-time roles-doing blood transport runs for the hospital and later greeting customers with a warm smile at Home Depot.

Rodney had many hobbies that reflected his creativity and love for connection. Woodworking was one of Rodney's favorite pastimes; he loved turning simple pieces of wood into meaningful creations for family and friends. He loved genealogy and spent hours tracing his family tree, often traveling from cemetery to cemetery all over the country to find his ancestors' graves. A loyal Astros fan, he loved baseball and spent years coaching youth sports, encouraging kids both on and off the field. Though he had many hobbies, some of his favorite moments were spent with his children and grandchildren. In their retirement years, Rodney enjoyed RVing and traveling throughout Texas with his wife, Paula, finding joy in the simple adventures and scenic journeys the road had to offer.

Rodney shared his gift of music by leading worship at church and regularly enjoyed having his family members join him on stage to sing gospel songs. His heart was always drawn to the joy and power of gospel music, and his love for singing was unmistakable, as he was often found humming or singing a tune everywhere he went.

Faith and family were the foundations of Rodney's life. His church community held a special place in his heart. He served loyally as a bus driver, bringing kids to services so they could learn about the word of God. He always jumped at the opportunity to volunteer his time when the church needed anything, from maintenance to helping the ladies in the kitchen. At every gathering he was known for greeting others with a hug, a handshake, and genuine warmth. Rodney truly never met a stranger-even telemarketers often found themselves caught in a spirited conversation.

Rodney is survived by his loving wife, Paula Britnell; his mother, Dorothy and husband Sherman Powell; and his siblings, Frances and husband John Baker, Phillip Britnell, Iris and husband Stanley Hensarling, and Jan and husband Scott Kendall. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Britnell and siblings, Ava Barlow and Lindsey Britnell.

Rodney leaves behind his children, Carina and husband Terrell Haygood, Becca and husband Matt Bailey, Brion Britnell, Monica and husband Chris Haygood, Janella and husband Evan Dedo, and Joshua and wife Carrie Britnell. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Stephanie and husband Bruce Quave and Mathew and wife Alicia Walls.

His grandchildren include Julia and husband Justin Ritchie, Harli and husband Chantz Pryor, Trystan and wife Destiny Evans, Lindy and husband Dylan Burson, Jacob Zeller, Caitlyn Valenciano, Jathan and wife Morgan Sims, Maverick Haygood, Evelyn Britnell, Elliot Dedo, Mary Anne Britnell, and Everett Dedo. His step-grandchildren are Adison Richard, Mason Walls, Ayden Richard, and Noah Walls.

Rodney was blessed to know and love his great-grandchildren, Hollie Williams, Kenna Ritchie, Stella Pryor, Tycen Pryor, and Waverly Evans.

Rodney's kindness, humor, generosity, and unwavering dedication to others leave a lasting impact on all who knew him.

The family invites those wishing to honor Rodney's memory to consider donations to the National Kidney Foundation, P.O. Box 40544, Bay Village, Ohio 44140 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-two organizations close to his heart.