Rodney L. Johnson

Obituary

Rodney L. Johnson passed away at Wexner Medical Center/The James Cancer Hospital from Acute Myeloid Leukemia on October 28, 2025. 

Early Life and Education

Born on April 19, 1947, Rodney was the eldest son of Delbert and May (Purcell) Johnson. He grew up in Columbus and Gahanna, Ohio, where he attended Gahanna Lincoln High School. Rod graduated in 1965, having been an active member of the cross country, basketball, and baseball teams. After high school, he attended The Ohio State University, earning a degree in history education in 1969.

Teaching and Coaching Career

Rod’s career in education began at Madison High School in Guernsey County. He continued to serve as an educator at Buckeye Trail High School. Throughout his tenure, Rod taught history and psychology and coached several sports. He achieved notable coaching success by founding the girls’ volleyball program at Buckeye Trail High School. Under his leadership, the team reached the OHSAA State Tournament three times, securing a state championship in 1989 and finishing as state runner-up in 1990.

Administrative Roles and Continued Impact

Rod’s commitment to education extended beyond the classroom and the court. He served as an administrator at East Guernsey, Cambridge, Franklin Local and Johnstown Schools. In retirement, his passion for coaching continued as he led volleyball programs at various high schools in Guernsey and Muskingum counties, including Cambridge, New Lexington, and West Muskingum High Schools. At the heart of Rod’s career was a passionate advocacy for high quality public education. He carried this commitment into his “second career” as Student Teacher Placement Coordinator for Muskingum University and Ohio University, where he continued to influence the next generation of educators.

Other Interests and Honors

Rod pursued a variety of side projects throughout his life. He worked as a sportswriter for the Daily Jeffersonian in Cambridge, Ohio, and served as a radio play-by-play and color analyst for local sports throughout Guernsey County and the surrounding areas. His dedication and achievements were recognized with inductions into both the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC) Hall of Fame and the Gahanna Lincoln High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame.

Family and Legacy

Treasured family memories include trips to Daytona and Charlotte for NASCAR races, bringing along daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren while exploring historic sites en route. Rod also served as commissioner of the annual March Madness “Champion of the Family” bracket challenge, coordinating up to 15 relatives’ picks each round, diligently recording and scoring them by hand, and sharing eloquent and detailed updates.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Trudy, and his brother Steve. He is survived by Carol, his wife and partner of 18 years, daughters Mandy (Brent) and Meredith (Brian), and stepdaughter Staci (David). He is also remembered by his brother Russell, nephew Brian (Toni), sister-in-law Becky, brother-in-law CP, and many cousins. Rod’s grandchildren—Lily, Avery, Colby, Brooklyn, and Charlotte—meant the world to him, and he was devoted to and invested in their lives. He will also be deeply missed by his best friend, Tom, and many others whose lives he touched.

Celebrating His Life

The family will honor Rod’s life with a private gathering. Rod’s enduring message to those he leaves behind is to invest your time and energy in positive and impactful ways.

Heartfelt thanks to the following for their caring and expert treatment: Dr. Alice Mims and team, The James Cancer Hospital Staff and Infusion Center, and Genesis Zanesville Cancer Center Infusion Center.