Rodney Franklin Waugh

RODNEY FRANKLIN WAUGH, 70, of Cross Lanes, WV went home to be with the Lord on August 22, 2025, after putting up a brave fight against a long illness.
He retired from John Amos Power Plant where he was an operator for 38 years. Outside of family and work, Rodney was an avid astronomy lover. He was a member of KVAS (Kanawha Valley Astronomical Society) for decades and often provided leadership over the years as president and vice president. Rodney was instrumental in the funding and building of the Waugh-Haxton observatory at Camp Virgil Tate. He loved nothing more than being out at the observatory with his wife and close friends, gazing at the heavens. Through KVAS, Rodney helped establish Astronomy Weekend at Black Water Falls, the first statewide star party in WV, in 1989. This legacy continues, attracting other astronomy enthusiasts from WV and neighboring states to their annual fall conference. Over the years, Rodney presented astronomy programs to thousands of youth throughout the state to encourage the next generation of amateur astronomers. He was awarded by KVAS in 2025 with A Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contributions to astronomy. Rodney was a long time member of the Central Appalachian Astronomy Club (CAAC).
Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, George Franklin Waugh and Billie Jane Waugh (Brannon) of Cross Lanes, WV.
He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 43 years, Judy Ann Waugh of Cross Lanes; his daughter, Melissa Ann Waugh and her partner Eddie Dean Myers II of St. Albans; and his two grandpups, Prince and Princess, whom he loved and adored. He is also survived by his sister, Penny Lynn Gamber (Boyd Allen); along with three nieces and one nephew.
He will be dearly missed by a host of family and great friends.
The family would like to thank their neighbors for all their help and support over the years. The family would also like to thank everyone that visited, called, and/or messaged during this difficult time. The family would also like to thank Dr. Ashish Sheth's office as well as Nasim Sheikh's office for the care they provided to Rodney.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar with Pastor Rodney Good officiating.
Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to KVAS c/o Stacy Brown 52 Country Way Tornado, WV 25202 or Hubbard hospice House 1001 Curtis Price Way Charleston, WV 25311.
www.kellerfuneralhome.net