Samuel Rodney Wilson, 81, Belle passed away on Aug. 30, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on Dec. 25, 1940, the son of Samuel A. Wilson and Grace Marie (Baughman) Wilson in Bushnell, Ill.
He graduated High School in the state of Illinois in 1958. He continued his education, attending colleges in the state of California and the state of Missouri.
Rodney was united in marriage to Ronda Kay Schultz, Sept. 17, 1966. To this union, five children were born: Anita, Kent, Carol, Rita and Keri.
Rodney worked for Missouri Department of Social Services, spending the majority of his time working for the Bureau of the Blind. He retired in July of 2000, with 35 years of dedicated service. In addition to working for the state, Rodney was a cattle farmer.
He was a man of faith and active member of church. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, playing cards, cutting firewood and spending time with his family. He loved large gatherings comprised of family and friends. He and Ronda enjoyed traveling and were able to go on many trips with friends and family.
Rodney was preceded in death by parents Samuel and Grace; siblings Martha Banta, Warren Wilson, Maurice Wilson, and Sandra Rio.
He is survived by wife Ronda of the home; children Anita (Joey) Ridenhour of Linn, Kent (Jeannie) Wilson of Belle; Carol (Steve Lovell) Griffith of Centertown; Rita (Justin Gehlert) Horstman of Belle; and Keri (Matt) Hale of Henley; grandchildren Jessie (Eric) Lough, Aaron (Dani Libbert) Ridenhour, Laci Griffith, Jordyn (Erik Ferguson) Wilson, Mollie (Jesse) Maples, and Jesse (Kassidy) Wilson, Tyler Griffith, Randis (Lane) Sanders, Rance Horstman, Grace, Lydia, and Stella Hale; great-grandchildren Heaven Kelly, Tristan Ridenhour, Peyton Lynch, Ellie Moody, Scout Scego, Jack Maples, Rosalie Sanders, and two more are on the way; plus many nieces and nephews that he adored.
Services will be held at the Belle Community Church (formerly Belle United Methodist Church) on Sunday, Sept. 11. Visitation will be held from 2–4 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Belle Community Church for the Children’s Backpack Program.
