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Roderick “Big Rod” Roberts

07/22/1967 - 11/21/2024

Obituary For Roderick “Big Rod” Roberts

Roderick “Big Rod” Roberts, 57, born on July 22, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York to the parents of Calvin Lee Roberts Sr (deceased) and Diana Jean Roberts. Roderick "Big Rod" transitioned to his eternal home on November 21, 2024, at the age of 57. Raised in Brooklyn alongside his parents and siblings, Rod moved to Durham, NC, at an early age where he attended Durham public schools. "Big Rod" dedicated several years of service as a street technician for the City of Chapel Hill, before retiring due to a work-related injury. Known to be a businessman with an entrepreneurial spirit, "Big Rod" ventured into multiple businesses, including car dealerships, fashion, and various other enterprises, following a legacy of entrepreneurship in his family. A devout man of God, Rod gave his life to Christ over a decade ago. He was a committed servant of God, a prayer warrior, and an unwavering disciple of Jesus Christ. For 17 years, he was a faithful member of One Love Christian Church in Durham, NC under the leadership of Pastor John and Elder Pauline Fitzpatrick. His love, kindness, and encouragement touched the lives of many, from youth to elderly people, across his local community and beyond.

Roderick is preceded in death by his father, Calvin Lee Roberts Sr., and his grandmother, Willie Lee Winston. He leaves to cherish his memory of his devoted mother, Diana J. Roberts (Durham, NC); three siblings, Calvin Lee Roberts Jr. (Jewel), Lesa Renae Roberts, and LaTrisha Evette Roberts; (All of Durham, NC), four aunts, Lorraine Clay (Pete), Brenda Ford-Harding (Robert), Doris Ford-Bullock, James Franklin Ford, one great-aunt, Retha Walker (Durham, NC) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is also survived by his daughter, Doniesha Cogdell (Goldsboro, NC), five grandchildren; (All of Goldsboro, NC), one God-daughter Shakeema Jackson (Raleigh, NC), a special friend Markeyta Oliver, and two bonus brothers Alfred Hopkins and Lamont Moore.

"Big Rod's" infectious love and spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, love and compassion that will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:

Service: Saturday, November 30, 2024 | Visitation service from 11:00 to 12:00 pm | Funeral service starts at 12:00 pm.

Place of service:
No Greater Love 2101 Angier Ave Durham NC 27702

Interment: Beechwood Cemetery



Live Stream Links

Roderick “Big Rod” Roberts Celebration of Life Zoom Link

Condolences & Tributes

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Ira Spruill sent Ocean Devotion for Roderick “Big Rod” Roberts - November 29, 2024

My condolences to the Roberts family from Ira Spruill

Send flowers for Roderick “Big Rod” Roberts

Wynston Davidson sent Ocean Breeze Spray for Roderick “Big Rod” Roberts - November 28, 2024

I just wanna say Well done Big Bro your work here is done, Sending My deepest condolences and prayers to the Robert's Family Sincerly , Malachi

Sympathy Spray was sent for Roderick “Big Rod” Roberts - November 27, 2024

My condolences to the Roberts family Rod will be missed I got my bags and belts from him I'm from New York he would always say you not gonna do me like that are you I said no I'm coming back to get some bags rest easy .

Rod you were the brother in love I never had and your kind spirit and love was very contagious:)! Thank you for adding the logo words to our business. We will miss you and love you darling. May your soul rest in peace:) We love you big Rod. Your Sister and Brother in Love: Demetrius and Crystal Cogdell 💕✝️😇🙏💕👈

We here at Capital City Christian Church with Pastor James Rascoe send our warm felt love and condolences to the family of Roderick "Big Rob".1 Thessalonians 4:14 says, "for if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him". Rest in Peace "Big Rod" Pastor James and Dorothy Rascoe Capital City Christian Church

Always remember that God loves you and so do we

Roderick was a man of unwavering faith who carried the love of Christ everywhere he went. I'll never forget how he prayed with boldness and compassion, lifting up the needs of others as if they were his own. One of the most powerful moments was when he prayed over a friend battling aggressive cancer—today, they are a six-year survivor. His dedication to prayer and his heart for God's people left a lasting impact. Roderick's life was a testament to God's power and grace, and his memory will continue to inspire us all.

I choose a purple candle because Roderick was royalty!

This one right here really hurt. You were so special and a blessing to me and all you knew. Your big pure heart, your humble spirit, your powerful words and teachings Nbut mostly definitely your love and work for the Lord is what we will never forget about you. We are going to miss you on Earth deeply BUT To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾Wings earned my brother! 🪽🪽 💜💙💜💙💜💙💜 With Deepest sympathy , Lamont Moore and Family.

Big Rod thank you so much for your generosity whenever I needed you. You had a big heart and it was genuine. Nothing fake about it. I definitely would never forget you taking care of me and most people that depended on you during things like birthday, Mothers Day and Christmas. RIP Rod we will definitely miss you.

Linda Huger

Sending my love prayers and condolences to your family and friends. I will never forget how your niece Yvonne introduced me to you, you became my Unc as well. Someone who will always encourage me pray for me being a man of God. Having a kind heart and always looking out giving me something free when buying all the designer, pocketbooks and clothes. You will truly be missed down here on earth. We hate to see you go, we also know God have chosen a beautiful Angel. SIP UNC love always Deanna & family

Deanna Williams

Your legacy and the Love you've shared for Jesus Christ will be forever be embedded in me and everyone you've touched I just wanna say Well done Big Bro your work here is done, Ima miss pulling up to Mamas just to talk about everything under the sun including your sorry Cowboys 😅, your motivational prophetic words will be remembered forever. Sending My deepest condolences and prayers to the Robert's Family 🙏🏽

To the Roberts family We send our deepest condolences to you and your family as well the church of my friend Big Rod. We meet many years ago and our patterns crossed by divine purpose. As you would say "It's all about Christ" My heart is heavy because we will not have our weekly conversations by phone anymore. Yet, I am at peace because you are at home with the Lord. You referred to me as your mentor which was a great honor my brother and friend. I love you Big Rod the gentle giant and humble servant of the Lord. Farewell until we meet again. May the Lord comfort and grant you all peace to the Roberts Family ♥️♥️♥️🌹🌹

Fellow laborer in Christ , Apostle Harold and (Lady)Dr. Katina D Harris Houston TX

I Send my Condolences out to family and friends. This one here really hit different for me. Rod has definitely been an anchor in my life and my families life for a long time and you will be greatly missed. You and I truly had some fun days, back in the day. You took my daughter Keema on, like she was truly yours and she is truly missing you right now. It's definitely a big whole in our hearts right now, but at the end of the day. Everyone who had an encounter with Rod, knows without a shadow of doubt, that Heaven Gracefully opened the Gates for him. Until we get the chance to see you again . You will never be forgotten . Love Always, Jacquetta, Keema and Family 💜

Jacquetta Lanier

My sincere Condolences to the family, I remember when I first met Rob twenty year's ago, we worked together, he would pick me up everyday and take me to work and come back and pick me up. I could always count on him, he was my best friend..He actually married my best friend Tammie and now I've lost them both..RIH my friend we shall meet again 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Rip bruh luv ya May the god who gives endurance And encouragement give you the Same attitude of mind toward each Other that Christ Jesus had Romans 15:5 Chuck

Sending my love condolences and prayers out to the Roberts family,Rod will truly be missed. He will always be in my heart

Sending my heart felt condolences and prayers to the ROBERTS AND the WINSTON FAMILY'S. RIH my childhood friend, you will be missed. From Ophelia Bass Bell and family.

Uncle Rod has loved me and been a part of our family my whole life. He and my aunt cared for me and his larger than life presence and love of Christ and family will be missed. Love you Uncle. Keep our other loved ones in good company. Till we meet again....

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Holloway Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. | Durham, NC

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