Rodney Lee Edwards

Rodney Lee Edwards, affectionately known as Chest Cat, was born April 8, 1948 in Earle, Arkansas to Rodney Edwards, Sr. and Mary Louise Jackson. Rodney was raised by his maternal grandparents, Henry and Olivia Campbell in Parkin, Arkansas. He later moved to Danville, Illinois where he attended Southview Middle School and then Danville High School. 

Rodney worked at Bowman Dairy Company and General Motors for a few years. He later worked and retired from a construction career for the City of Champaign, IL. Instead of enjoying his retirement, Rodney became a driver for the school bus system.

Rodney loved spending time with his mother (best friend) and family.

He enjoyed fishing and hanging at his baby brother Terry's car shop. Rodney loved being fashionable; There is no walking suit he did not own. He loved and adored his children and grandchildren and as time went on, he tried to spend as much time as he could with them. Rodney departed this earthly plane peacefully on September 9, 2025 at Franciscan Health in Olympia Fields at the age of 77. Rodney leaves to cherish his memory, 6 daughters:

Mary L Petty of Richton Park, IL, Nicole Grady of Memphis, TN, Debbie Grady of Anderson, IN, Angela Walker of Louisville, KY, Kapree Petty of East Chicago, IN, .Lacie Edwards of Atlanta, GA 

1 son, Rodney Grady of Memphis, TN, 2 sisters, Bobbie (Steve) Hawkins of Danville, IL and Tommie Jackson of Indianapolis, IN, 2 brothers, Terry Jackson and Jerry Jackson, both of Danville, IL, 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Rodney was preceded in death by his mother, father, maternal and paternal grandparents, daughter, 4 brothers and 2 sisters.

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