Rodrick Lovell Vaden was born on November 10, 1965, in Dallas, Texas, to parents Bob E Vaden and Narene Epting Vaden. His paternal grandparents were Floyd and Ruth Vaden, and maternal grandparents were Preston and Jessie Mae Epting. At an early age, Rodrick
was baptized at Greater Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, under the pastorage of Pastor L.C. Jones, Sr., and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior.
In the Vaden household, attending church every Sunday was customary. As a young boy, Rodrick remembered many Sundays when his mother played the piano for the church, led songs in the choir, and served as Pastor's Aide President. The Vaden children attended church all day, including the 11am service, lunch from the church kitchen, 3pm service, and even 7pm night service, especially if a quartet was singing or a choir musical was taking place.
In his adult years, Rodrick enjoyed watching the 10am Sunday Service of Inspiring Body of Christ Church (IBOC) on Facebook, hoping to catch glimpses of his mother and sisters and hearing the Word of God taught by Pastor Rickie G. Rush.  Rodrick attended Dallas Public Schools: Harrell Budd Elementary School, Boude Story Junior High, and graduated from Roosevelt High School in May 1983. He spent two years at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he enjoyed studying Mathematics.
Rodrick's greatest joys were the birth of his daughter, Chloe, and later his two granddaughters, whom he adored. Rodrick never hesitated to express his love for any of his family members, valuing parents' upbringing and guidance in encouraging kindness and thoughtfulness.
During summer breaks from school, Rodrick spent time playing Spades and Dominoes with friends, eating fried bologna sandwiches, and babysitting his two younger sisters until their parents returned from work. Known for his patience, he was excellent at looking after his sisters and their home.
Rodrick's desire to assist others led him to excel in the Service and Hospitality industry. He was an extrovert with the gift of gab and never met a stranger. In fact, his kindness is best remembered for always being 'the one who remembered everyone's birthdays', often making sure he was the first to wish them by calling or texting at 12:00am.
In adulthood, Rodrick enjoyed watching the Junior League Baseball World Series and, of course, The Texas Rangers. He took great delight in witnessing the Texas Rangers win the World Series and found all sports entertaining. He and his father were jokingly referred to as "Fred and Lamont Sanford", characters from the popular 1970s TV show 'Sanford and Son'. Their bond, love for each other, and humorous conversations were unmissable. They were quite the comedic pair.
Rodrick's helpful nature was profoundly appreciated in his later years while he lived with and cared for his father following an amputation surgery until his passing in January 2024.
Rodrick consistently expressed his love, especially to our mother, every single morning, without fail. His absence of call or text on one Friday morning alerted the family of his absence. We find comfort knowing he no longer suffers physical pain and believe he is now in the company of Jesus.
On the morning of March 29, 2024, Rodrick L. Vaden peacefully left his earthly body to join the Lord, Jesus Christ. Rodrick was preceded in death by his father, Bob E. Vaden, his paternal and maternal grandparents, four aunts, and two uncles. Rodrick leaves to cherish his life & legacy: Narene Vaden (mother); Chloe R. Humphrey (daughter); Eniea Jennings and Noie Humphrey (granddaughters); Sherrye Vaden (sister);
Laura "Shawn" Vaden (sister); and a host of blessed aunts, uncles, cousins and more family,
friends and neighbors.