Mr. Rodney Dawyne Ijames was born to Lonnie Ijames and Mary Lois Rapley on September 16, 1957. The celebration of his life and the mourning of his passing on January 22, 2026 will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends.

He received his formal education in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System. Rodney enjoyed swimming and was on the Kimberly Park diving team. While attending Paisley Jr. High School where he played football, he was known as "Speedy." He later attended RJ Reynolds High School and participated in various school activities.

After high school, Rodney served in the United States Army where he trained and became proficient in telecommunications. In civilian life, he utilized his analytical and hands on skills as a mechanic for the Winston-Salem Transit Authority (WSTA). As a pastime, he especially enjoyed the pleasures and challenges experienced while playing chess with Michael Hairston.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lois Rapley; sister, Lonetta Ijames; and brother, Thomas Rapley.

Rodney is survived by his son, Rodney Dwayne Gadson; daughters, Tasheka Blue and Frances Blue; 10 grandchildren, DaNya Hodge, Gregory Cuthbertson, Jr., Jamirrah Cuthbertson, Jered Cuthbertson, Jahmal Muhfooth, Jr., Isaiah Blue, Mariah Blue, Haliegh Blue, Lu'Brey Gadson, Razhane Gadson; 3 great-grandchildren, Sa'vion Benjamin, Ahmir Gadson, Reilani Gadson; sisters, Zonja Ijames, Linda Thompson of the city, and Gracetta Ijames-Gant of Florida; and brother, Lonnie Ijames.

Public viewing will be from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM, Friday, February 6, 2026 at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service 1:00 PM, Saturday, February 7, 2026 in the chapel of Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. The family will greet friends thirty-minutes prior to service.

For a copy of funeral program click here