Rodney Craig, son of the late Shirley Ann (Red) Craig and John Dukes, was born on January 13, 1965 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Rodney received his heavenly wings at his residence on September 24, 2025.

Rodney attended Cincinnati Public Schools, graduated from Hughes High School in 1983.

Rodney enjoyed doing so many things, he enjoyed watching his sports, gambling, cooking for his family and friends, sitting outside on his front porch on sunny days in the spring and summer talking to his neighbors and sitting with his dog (Beano) by his side until Beano passed away in August 2024.

In his teen years Rodney was a part of group of young men from Corryville called "The Sophiscated Gents," who dressed with success.  They would all wear suits and give parties all the time, which today they are still Corryville Brothers.

In the early-mid 1990's he signed his step-son up to play football (Ricky who has preceded him in death) for the Lil Red Machine Youth Football organization where he became an assistant coach for the 7 and 8-year-old.  He truly loved coaching all the kids.

Rodney would also help tailgating for the Shroder High School Booster Club, with the school functions, and doing fish fries supporting his stepson, and "yes" the food was delicious!

Rodney worked various jobs during his lifespan from working with his father-in-law and brother-in-law doing custodial work and specializing in floors to doing what he loved most working at various restaurants as a cook.  He enjoyed working at McAlister's in Oakley giving the young employees wisdom and knowledge and listening to his music while working.  He worked at J&W's BBQ working beside his best friend Sam.  He was doing what he loved to do and that was grilling some of the best tender ribs and cooking different foods.  He worked for J&W's BBQ for over 20 years as the "BBQ man" of which the customers called him until his health declined.  "One thing for sure he always worked more than one job," which also included working for J&W's breakfast trailer.

Rodney was also known to many as Mr. Rodney, Hot Rod, Smooth, Slick, Craig, and to most Unc or Uncle Rodney.

Rodney enjoyed his family time with his sons Woo and Vay, Godson-Frank, his nephews Antonio, Bryan, and all of his nephews when they would come over to see him, talking to them about sports and any and everything in the basement (his man cave), but the thing he loved most was just being with them and seeing them grow and giving them all of the wisdom and knowledge that he could give them as a man, and was always honest with them. Most of all he loved all of them including his God-daughter Carrie who he always greeted her with "Hey lil lady," which is what he would say to any female friend/family member he knew when he saw them.

Rodney had a love for everyone, but if you knew him, he had no problem speaking his mind.  He loved all his family and would do anything for them.  He loved spending time with his grandkids and his god grand-children.   When they walked through the door he would light up and give them the biggest hug.

He had a love for his siblings and all his family whether he showed it or not he loved them, especially when he saw them.

One of the things he would say when someone greeted him with how you doing is "I'm great now that I see you! or I'm great how you doing?"

If you knew Rodney, you knew he truly loved his Pittsburgh Steelers football team so much that he made his man cave black and yellow all Steelers logos and decals.

In 1993 Rodney met the love of his life Yolonda, she was his friend, and best friend who dealt with everything he went through no matter what it was good or bad.  After being together for 20 years they married on April 20, 2013.  If you saw Rodney you saw Yolonda.  He enjoyed cooking for her and always making sure she was first in his life.  If she wanted something he made sure she, had it.

Rodney knew the Lord.  He would sit in his man gave after a hard day of working listening to his soul music ending his night with his gospel music and close it with "I'm Gonna Be Ready" by   Yolanda Adams.  He would go to church on some Sunday's by zoom on TV and listen to the sermon with his wife listening to Pastor Ventus, to which he turned his life over to Christ.

Rodney was preceded in death by both parents Shirley Ann Craig and John Dukes; his step-son Larry Ricardo "Ricky" Lee and his dog CamBeano whom all he loved dearly.

He leaves to cherish precious memories of his wife Yolonda; two sons Albert (Biana); Robvia (Naisha); three sisters Jovonah; Deborah; Carolyn (Maurice); two brothers William Lamar; Bernard (Candy); all of Cincinnati, Ohio; one sister-in-law Rotonda (Henry); two brother-in-laws Bryan Keith McWhorter, (preceded in death) and Clifford Demetrius Yarbrough, Jr.; all of Cincinnati, Ohio; 14 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; one special god-daughter Carrie Mae (Frank); 2 God-grandchildren; his best friend Sam Moore and his cousin-brother Roy Pennington; and a host of nieces; nephews and a host of extended family and friends.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 9:30 am until 10:30 am, on  Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the New Mission Missionary Baptist Church, 4809 Ravenna Street, Cincinnati  (45227).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation,  beginning at 10:30 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind.

He will be laid to rest at Walnut Hills Cemetery, 3117 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Craig family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Craig family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.