Rodney Randy Middleton

The bright, charismatic, and energetic life of Rodney Middleton ended on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the age of 58.

Rodney Middleton was born on November 19, 1967, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to the union of Joe Middleton and Leva Jones Middleton. From the very beginning, Rodney’s parents knew his radiant smile and warm spirit would one day touch the hearts of many.

He was raised in the Gum Springs community, where he accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Ruth Baptist Church. Rodney received his education in the Arkadelphia Public School System and graduated from Arkadelphia Senior High School in 1986. He later attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1990.

Following college, Rodney ventured into the larger world and made Dallas, Texas, his home. True to his outgoing nature, he never met a stranger. His infectious smile, engaging personality, and unique energy naturally drew people to him wherever he went. While residing in Dallas, Rodney became a member of the men’s chorus at First Baptist Church Hamilton Park. From 1992 until 2010, he faithfully served alongside more than 100 men in a dynamic ministry that traveled throughout Texas, across the United States, and even internationally to Spain, sharing the Gospel through song.

While in Texas he maintained close ties to his family and loved ones and enthusiastically enjoyed entertaining with them at parties and get-togethers, fish fry’s, bar-b-que’s, dominoes, excursions to the Dallas Cowboys Football games and travelling back home to the 2nd of August picnic. Those who knew Rodney knew him as a devoted sports enthusiast. He was an avid supporter of the Dallas Cowboys and the Arkansas Razorbacks. During his 32 years in Dallas, he worked in various professional capacities and built lasting friendships that spanned decades.

Rodney found great joy in spending time with family and friends. He loved laughing, sharing stories, reminiscing about days gone by, and creating memories with those he loved.

Following the passing of his beloved mother in 2023, Rodney returned home to Gum Springs - the community that had nurtured him, loved him, and provided some of life’s most valuable lessons. There, he reconnected with family, friends, and the roots that helped shape his life.

He worked for the Arkadelphia School District as a bus monitor and continued to faithfully attend his home church. With a youthful spirit, he continued to work and play with the exuberance of a teenager, all while continuing to smile.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Noble and Maggie Eason Jones; his paternal grandparents, Cleo and Hazel Murchison Middleton; his parents, Joe Louis Middleton (August 28, 2016) and Leva Lee Middleton (Thursday, November 16, 2023).

Rodney’s memory will linger in the hearts of his brother, Joel (Linda) Middleton of Park Forrest, IL, and an aunt, Varrie Nicholson of East St. Louis, IL. He also leaves numerous cousins, an abundance of friends and the St. Ruth Baptist Church family.