Rodney Stevenson

Rodney E. Stevenson, a long time resident of the Grand Rapids Michigan Veterans Home departed his earthly life on June 2, 2026, at Corewell Butterworth Hospital after complications from a lengthy illness.

Rodney was born on March 23, 1949 in Detroit Michigan to Elliott and Adrian Stevenson. For a short time the family lived in Delray Michigan before moving to Detroit.

Growing up on Fischer Street on the east side of the city, he attended Hilger Elementary and Barbour Jr. High School. While at Barbour, he discovered his talent for realistic drawing. Drawing became his favorite pastime. He graduated from the George Washington Trade High School.

After graduation, he enlisted in the US Naval Academy. Upon completing Boot Camp, he was assigned to the USS Galveston, a guided missile cruiser, upon which he served until his Honorable Discharge in 1970.

He worked for the Uniroyal Tire Company until it closed in 1980. He worked a variety of other jobs and was a longtime volunteer at the Gleaners Community Food Bank in Detroit.

Due to illness, he moved into the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans in 2016. He loved being around other veterans and was elated to discover one of the residents had also served on the USS Galveston during the same time frame. The thought of any veteran being homeless deeply concerned him and would always declare: NO VETERAN SHOULD BE HOMELESS!

While residing at the Veterans home, he was much loved and cared for by the staff.

A Star Wars enthusiast, he amassed a sizable collection of memorabilia as well as other eclectic collectibles. When visited by family, he always sent them home with a gift. Even sending something for the family dogs, who also loved to visit him.

He is survived by his mother, Adrian Stevenson, sister Denise Stevenson-Cash, brother in law, Percy Cash, niece and best friend LaChaun Stevenson, Grand Nephew, Ravel Bowman, several cousins, neighborhood friends and fur babies Reese, Nala and Izzy.

His father Elliott Stevenson, nephew LeVar McClung and fur baby Little Bear preceded him in death.