Rodney Lee Julius Sr

Eulogy for Rodney Lee "Hot Rod" Julius Sr.

Sunrise: August 15, 1963 – Sunset: November 22, 2025

Rodney Lee "Hot Rod" Julius Sr. was born on August 15, 1963, to Sandra Charles and Haynes "Big Rod" Julius. On November 22, 2025, he began his journey to the ancestors- held in care, supported by community, and watched over in spirit by the ones who loved him.

Rod lived a life full of personality, the kind of man who didn't sugarcoat a thing, who kept it real, who had a quick wit and a sharper tongue, and who could make people laugh with just a look. He was raw in the best way: sarcastic, funny, unfiltered, and absolutely himself. And because he never tried to be anything but who he was, people loved him for it.

He is survived by his mother, Sandra Charles, and his seven children:

Rodney Julius Jr., Melyssa Julius, Christopher Julius, Laurecia Julius, William Julius, Patrick Julius, and Ashley Rowe.

One of the most meaningful pieces of his legacy is carried by his eldest son, Jolene shared that their son was born on August 15th, the same birthday as Rod. When he came into the world, she told Big Rod, "Since he was born on your birthday, I guess you can name him." And without hesitation, he named him after himself, Rodney Lee Julius Jr. That shared birthday, that shared name, was one of the ways Rod marked his pride.

He leaves behind nineteen grandchildren: Aaliyah, Alysa, Alexzander, Rodney III, Glen Jr., Angel, Dharian, Jay'Anna, Silas, Vanessa, Rosabel, Remi, Serenity, Violet, Pearla, Xavier, Jaylinn, Averey, and Aaliyah, and two great-grandchildren, Angel and Myla.

He is also survived by eleven siblings:

Monica, India, Vienna, Carlette, Justin, Adaline, Adlai, Kathy, Jesse, Gary, and Kelly, along with all the nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews who loved him.

He now joins his father, Haynes "Big Rod" Julius; his stepmom, Mary Lou Solomon; his daughter, Amanda Free-Bell; his brothers, Jason "Big Jag" Julius, Maurice "Rec" Julius, and August James; and his granddaughter, Cecelia Spencer-Julius.

Rodney Lee "Hot Rod" Julius Sr. leaves behind a family filled with stories- good ones, funny ones, the kind you tell for years. He leaves behind the memory of someone who was honest, smart, sarcastic, protective, and full of personality. Someone who loved deeply in his own ways.

His season here may have ended, but his spirit lives on in his children, in his grandkids, in his siblings, and in every person who felt safer, happier, or more seen in his presence.

In our way, there is no final goodbye, just a continuation of his journey.

May he rest.

May he be welcomed.

May his memory always be a blessing.