Rodney Arnold Gradney Jr.

RODNEY ARNOLD “PEANUT” GRADNEY, JR. Rodney Arnold Gradney, Jr. was born in Opelousas, LA on May 5, 1971 to Deborah Fabre Gradney and the late Rodney A. Gradney, Sr. He departed this earthly life on April 29, 2014 after a short battle with cancer. He was 42. Rodney attended St. Augustine Catholic Church in New Roads, LA. Rodney was educated in Pointe Coupee Parish Schools. He graduated from Jumonville Vocational School where he studied mechanics. Rodney worked in the trucking industry for several years at Angelle Concrete Group. He was known as a punctual, dependable, and dedicated employee. “Peanut,” as he was affectionately known by family and friends, loved nature and simple country living. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, drawing, riding horses and motorcycles, as well as teetering with mechanical things. As a young boy, Rodney loved spending time with family especially his grandmother, Rowenia who he referred to as his heart. Later in life when his brother Christopher was born the two became inseparable. Wherever you saw Rodney you saw baby brother Chris. Rodney often said, “Chris is more like my son than my brother.” Rodney would be the first to admit he made mistakes in life, which he took responsibility for. He never complained or blamed others. Rodney remained humble, compassionate, and a testament to God’s grace. Rodney was a loving and devoted son, brother, cousin, and friend to all who knew him. Peanut will be greatly missed! Rodney leaves to cherish his memories: a loving and devoted mother, Deborah F. “Poonie” Gradney, one brother, Christopher Joshua Gradney, a devoted step-father, Lance Madison all of Gonzales, LA; one aunt, Priscilla Fabre of Baton Rouge, LA; one uncle, Jason J. Fabre, Sr. (Marie) of New Roads, LA, and a host of other devoted relatives and friends. Rodney was preceded in death by his father, paternal grandfather and grandmother, maternal grandfather and grandmother, and three maternal uncles. A funeral mass will be celebrated for Rodney Arnold Gradney, Jr. at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 14, 2014 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in New Roads, LA. The rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Service will be officiated by Father Patrick S. Healy, SSJ, Pastor. Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, Gretna LA.