Rodney Candies Wheeler

Rodney Candies Wheeler was born in Seattle, Washington, to Candies and Debra Wheeler on April 8th, 1977, and transitioned on June 30th, 2023. Candies and Debra Wheeler formed a loving family consisting of four boys, including Railen, Keith, and Kyle Wheeler.

Rodney began his formative education in Seattle Public Schools (SPS). As a young and confident learner at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, Rodney enjoyed many aspects of schooling while demonstrating promising leadership skills. From an early age, he would use his diverse skills to construct compelling intellectual arguments. Rodney also attended South Shore Middle School and graduated high school in 1996. Professionally, Rodney was a very hard worker and a dependable colleague. Throughout his professional career, he worked for companies such as Orion Industries, Pioneer Industries Manufacturing – Plant 1, Stonewall Security, and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

With four boys in the Wheeler family, every child took on a specific role. Rodney was the anchor and protector–this role he took very seriously. His love for his brothers knew no boundaries, and the four of them established a very close relationship throughout life. Throughout the city of Seattle, from very young ages, you would find them riding bicycles as a collective, playing basketball, football, or simply enjoying the company of one another. Regardless of the venue or occasion–from childhood to adulthood–Rodney and his brothers shared an enduring and everlasting love that continues to withstand time.

Besides his children, family, and friends, Rodney developed many passions, hobbies, and interests. Rodney loved to travel. Whether he was marveling at the red clay roads in Atlanta or simply closing his eyes while lying in the plush grass of the Carolinas–Rodney found ways to embrace the moment fully. Also, Rodney adored animals of all kinds. He loved watching the National Geographic show alone or with his son Amir Wheeler. Whether it was visiting the aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, San Diego Zoo, Lake Chelan, or habitually watching football, basketball, ESPN’s First Take (he loved Stephen A. Smith) show–Rodney was continuously compiling diverse experiences that would fuel his life and heart.

At the core of Rodney’s heart was the importance of family. Without any prompting, he would create text threads, pulling his entire family together, where he would cook elaborate meals. His food was delicious and defined the meaning of soul food because he put his heart and soul into the preparation of his food. He was not a trained chef, but his recipes originated and were executed from love. His food was a personalized expression from his heart. Cooking for Rodney was a love language, where he could say how much he loved you without saying a word.

Rodney was such a caring soul. He took pride in helping others in need, and his acts of service were very intentional. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he would bring groceries and other essential goods to family members and friends. If you were sick, Rodney would be the first to address your needs, and without fail. Rodney was very loyal, and he protected his family and friends. He spoke his mind and did not waste his words. If an emotion were brewing within him, it would come out–whether you liked it or not. But, at the core of everything he would say or do–it was connected to love. Rodney’s life was progressing, and he was experiencing so much success. He was maturing, and it was evident. Recently, Rodney and his fianceé, Lavina, purchased a new home. Rodney was so proud of their purchase and his 720+ credit score as he posted his results in a family group chat. His exterior was stern, but his heart was pure. He was a constant jokester with a witty personality; he had a comeback for everything. If you judged a book by its cover, you would miss the power of a beautiful story–this was Rodney–a beautiful, strong, and courageous story in the making.

Rodney leaves to cherish his memory his fiancée, Lavina M. McClam, and six children: Jaylen, Simone, Rodney, Christine, Amir, and Kavaria; parents, Debra and Candies Wheeler; brothers, Railen, Keith, and Kyle Wheeler; uncles, Keith B. Wheeler Sr. of Seattle, WA, and Gabriel N. Thompson Jr. of Auburn, WA, aunts; Kimberly (Richard) Kirk of Mountlake Terrace, WA, Selma Ann (Chuck) Turner of Hillside, IL, and Terry (Howard) Holmes of St. Louis, MO; close friends, Stephen Aaron, Jeffrey Beasley, and Steven McClam, Sr.; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and colleagues. Rodney is preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter J. Jimerson Sr., Ruby Baker, Jewel V. and Gabriel N. Thompson Sr., and uncle, Walter J. Jimerson Jr.