Rodney Howell Obituary
Rodney Howell, age 57, of Dayton, Ohio and Bradenton, Florida, died on Saturday January 25, 2025 while visiting family in Naples, Florida.
He was born in Dayton on December 7, 1967, and adopted by Edith Perley at the age of 9. As a lifelong Bengals fan, Rodney was an eternal optimist who always focused on the best in those around him. He was loved by everyone he met and always made people laugh. Along with the Bengals and Ohio State football teams, the loves of his life were his wife, Debi and his three daughters. Rodney's love for his family was unwavering and he made it a point to support, encourage, and bring laughter to those he held dear. To his daughters' friends, he was a second father – welcoming them into his home with open arms and treating them like his own.
Rodney managed the maintenance of the Highlands for 21 years, only occasionally complaining about bizarre items crammed in a garbage disposal or three AM calls to shovel a sidewalk. He cared deeply for his friends and family, always ready to share a beer and a ridiculous story, never hesitating to help wherever he could. Rodney's joy was infectious, his humor off-color, and his kindness a gift he offered to everyone he knew.
Rodney was preceded in death by his sister Sidney Wahrer and nephew Jonathan Perley. He is survived by his wife Debi, his mother Edith, daughters Autumn Richards (Conner), and Meghan and Sierra Howell, as well as sisters Tracy, Jimmie (Mindy), brother Conrad (Julie), and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Rodney's life will be held at the Highlands (address: 1514 Bromley Dr., Fairborn, Ohio 45234) on February 2 at 1pm. Please consider honoring Rodney's memory by making a donation to the ALS Foundation at als.org. Rodney was an adamant supporter of blood donation as his job in Bradenton was to encourage everyone to give blood. Please consider honoring his memory by making a blood donation at your local blood bank or a financial donation to the SunCoast Blood Center at https://scbb.org/get-involved/donate/.
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