Obituary: Elmer Coleman Rodwell, Sr.
Elmer Coleman Rodwell, Sr. July 11, 1925 – July 4, 2022 Moss Hill-Elmer Coleman Rodwell, 96, was born July 11, 1925 in Macon, North Carolina, the eighth of ten children born to Hugh Edgar Rodwell Sr. and Mamie Shearin Rodwell. After graduating from Macon High School, Mr. Rodwell served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After completing a course in basic electricity at Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana, he was assigned to the Destroyer Escort USS Strickland and served in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of war.
After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he made his home in the Moss Hill area of Lenoir County. Mr. Rodwell enjoyed a 30-year career with the Farm Credit System in Eastern North Carolina, retiring in 1986. Starting with Production Credit when they were a small company, he and his dedicated staff were influential in helping many young farmers start their careers and growing the farmer owned cooperative. Always active in his community, Mr. Rodwell was the last surviving charter member of the Moss Hill Ruritan Club. As a dedicated member of Union Baptist Church, Mr. Rodwell served his Lord faithfully as a deacon and regular attendee prior to his illness.
A service of love and remembrance will be held by the graveside on Monday, July 11, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church Cemetery, 6861 Hwy 55 West, Seven Springs, NC 28578 with Pastor John Morton officiating. In addition to his parents, Mr. Rodwell was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Lillie Rae Smith Rodwell; three sisters, Hazel R. Jones, Janet R. Burt, Edith R. Finch; and brothers, Joseph J. Rodwell, Hugh Edgar Rodwell, Jr., William B. Rodwell, Wallace S. Rodwell who was killed in WWII, and Thomas P. Rodwell. Mr. Rodwell is survived by his children, Kelly Rodwell Townson and husband, Tom, Coleman Rodwell and wife, Donna, and Chris Rodwell and wife, Susan; grandchildren, Jacob Townson, Daniel Townson and wife, Angy, Kate T. Bunn and husband, Dr. Bryan Bunn, Dr. Morgan Rodwell Arocho and husband Ben, and Zac Rodwell and wife, Lindsay; eleven great-grandchildren; brother, Jerome “Jerry” T. Rodwell; and sisters- and brother-in-law, Nell Smith, Lou Ella Vause, and Billy Smith.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the devoted caregivers of Mr. Rodwell during his time of sickness: Frances Kennedy, Stacy Garris, Lynn Hawkins, Lisa Stroud, Jo Ann Dixon, Betty Bradley, and Dr. Kris Cummings. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Union Baptist Church, 6504 Highway 55 West, Kinston, NC 28504, or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
