Roderick Tyrone Waiters

Roderick Tyrone “Rod” Waiters, beloved son, husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away at his residence on July 2, 2026. Born on January 24, 1971, in Tuskegee, Alabama, Rod’s journey was marked by warmth, laughter, resilience, and the unwavering love he showed to those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Rod’s roots were shaped in the nurturing arms of his parents, the late John and Josephine (Foster) Waiters, who instilled in him core values of kindness, humility, hard work, and compassion. As a young man, Rod’s magnetic energy was impossible to ignore—a spark that accompanied him through every stage of his life.

He found deep fulfillment in his career as a Warehouse Manager at Interstate Cold Storage, where his reliability and dedication left an indelible mark not just on the operations, but on all those who worked beside him. Beyond professional duties, Rod’s innate ability to bring a smile to any face—whether through a well-timed joke, his infectious laugh, or simply by sharing in the joys and challenges of daily life—endeared him to coworkers and friends alike.

But it was at home, surrounded by family, where Rod’s heart truly resided. He was a loving and steadfast husband to his cherished wife, Jennifer Forsythe, and the proud father of Jenica, Angelica, Razaya, Lexi, and his son Raheem. Rod’s pride in his children was unmistakable; their accomplishments were his greatest joy, especially the exhilaration he felt while supporting their volleyball adventures. Whether cheering in the crowd or simply offering encouragement with his signature grin, Rod championed their dreams with all his heart.

Rod relished every moment with his loved ones—treasuring family gatherings, lively conversations, and playful teasing. His deep connections extended to his devoted sister, Veronica (Rev. Calvin) Williams, his brother Andre (Sandra) Waiters, and nephews LaJuan (Kerita) and John Fuller. He also held tightly to the memories of those who preceded him in death: his father John, his mother Josephine, and his brother Renwick “Renny” Waiters, whose spirits remained ever-present in his life.

Rod’s personality filled each room he entered, warming hearts with humor, kindness, and a radiance that is impossible to replicate and difficult to forget. People gravitated toward him, comforted by his ability to find laughter even in life’s greatest challenges, and emboldened by his steadfast optimism.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance during the visitation on July 11, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home, Southwest, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123. A Celebration of Rod's life will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 4:00 pm at the same location.

Roderick Tyrone “Rod” Waiters leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and generosity—a testament to the power of one man’s sincere spirit and unfailing devotion to family and friends. Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we are comforted by the memories we share and the enduring impact Rod made on each of our lives. His laughter will echo in our memories, and his love will continue to guide us always.