Rodney Ian Dortch

Rodney Ian Dortch was born in Hempstead, NY on March 14 ,1966 to the late Mr. John Edward  Sr. and Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Dortch. He entered into Paradise on July 26, 2016 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Rodney was a loving husband, father, brother, mentor, friend, and true lover of Jesus Christ. He was a young man of wisdom and integrity. He loved basketball. Both playing and coaching for the Toccoa RecDepartment. He also found time to mentor youth through another passion of his, fishing. The same way his father did for him and his siblings. He had a passion for serving people often, without being in the spotlight.

Rodney joined Trinity CME Church in Toccoa, Ga. at an early age and later he served as a Stewartist. In 2013, he moved his membership to the Neal's Grove Baptist Church and accepted the role of a Deacon. He served as a Sunday school teacher and in any other capacity needed by the church. He was not ashamed of the gospel and was always willing to share the love of Christ with anyone. His passion has left an indelible mark on the lives of family, friends, coworkers, and the youth in both the Toccoa and Gainesville communities.

In additional to his parents, Rodney was preceded in death by one brother John E. Dortch Jr.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 24 years, Bernice Dortch. Two children Shemikia Nacole and Gedavious Jonta' Simpson, both of Gainesville. He has three brothers Jermel (Iris) Dortch, of Carrollton, Ga. Sean Grier of California, and Jasson Ruff of Atlanta, one sister, Dandrea Dortch, of Douglasville Ga. A Grandmother, Lizzie Mae Dortch of Toccoa, GA, A mother in law, Willie Mae Butler of Jefferson, Ga.Three grandchildren, Noah Simpson, Desiyah (Siyah), and Daelyn (Dae dae) Cantrell all of Gainesville Ga. Sisters and brothers in law Virginia Kidd, Shirley (Roger) Peters, Ann (Troy) Wiley, Roger (Annette) Gaither, Pat (Earl) Hardeman, Walter Butler Jr. and Carla Butler. A host of aunts, uncles, nieces ,nephews, cousins and friends. Although Rodney has transitioned from this world, his spirit and his loving influence will forever be in our hearts.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at Neal's Gove Baptist Church at 1:00PM. Professional Services Entrusted to Wimberly & White Funeral Home.