Rodney Darnell Hines

Rodney Darnell Hines, age 66, passed away peacefully in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 2, 2026, following a sudden and brief illness.

Born on December 16, 1959, in Norfolk, Virginia, Rodney was the beloved son of the late James Goldie Hines and Dorothy Spencer Hines. He was raised in Norfolk, where he attended Norfolk Public Schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1978.

Rodney continued his education at Old Dominion University and the University of Maryland, where he majored in Management Infirmation Systems. While at ODU, he was initiated into the Nu Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where he later served as Chapter President and Dean of Pledges. His lifelong commitment to scholarship, leadership, and brotherhood reflected the principles he embraced throughout his life.

After graduating from college, Rodney began his professional career in Washington, D.C., before relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, where he made his home and built a successful career. Most recently, he was employed by the Georgia Institute of Technology. He earned the admiration of colleagues through his professionalism, intelligence, and quiet dedication.

To know Rodney was to know someone who embraced life with warmth, laughter, and authenticity. He never met a stranger, greeting everyone with an easy smile that immediately put people at ease. His kind spirit, genuine interest in others, and infectious personality made friends wherever he went.

Rodney had a deep love for music—especially house music—which served as the soundtrack to many memorable moments throughout his life. Whether at a family gathering, celebration, or on the dance floor, he was known as an exceptional dancer whose joy was impossible to miss. He was also a devoted and lifelong fan of Washington football, faithfully cheering for his beloved Redskins through the years and proudly continuing that loyalty as they became the Washington Commanders. His passion for music, dancing, sports, and spending time with those he loved reflected the vibrant spirit that defined him.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, sharp intellect, unwavering loyalty, generous heart, and the love he shared so freely with family, friends, fraternity brothers, coworkers, and everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on not only in what he accomplished, but in the countless lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and unwavering presence.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Goldie Hines and Dorothy Spencer Hines, his oldest brother, James “Jimmy” Hines, and his aunts, Shirley Spencer Garrison and Sylvia Spencer Lowe Andrews.

He leaves to cherish his memory his brother, Maurice Hines of Suffolk, Virginia; his sisters, LaVonda “Wanda” Hines and Sherry McPherson-Robinson, both of Virginia Beach, Virginia; his nephews, Errol (Regina) Hines of Kingwood, Texas, and Justin Hines of Suffolk, Virginia; his nieces, Glynis (Mohammed) Abdullah of Seattle, Washington, Carisa (David) Moore of Atlanta, Georgia, and Tameka McPherson of Virginia Beach, Virginia; his great-nephews, Dylan Hines of Houston, Texas, Barack Abdullah of Seattle, Washington, and Bryce Perry of Virginia Beach, Virginia; his great-niece, Spencer Moore of Atlanta, Georgia; and a host of beloved cousins, cherished friends, fraternity brothers, coworkers, and extended family who will miss him dearly.

Though Rodney’s earthly journey has come to an end, his legacy of love, laughter, friendship, and faithfulness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His easy smile, welcoming spirit, and unforgettable presence will never be forgotten.

Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Rodney Darnell Hines, of Sandy Springs, GA, will be Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 1:00PM; Willie A. Watkins Historic West End Chapel.  A public viewing will be one hour prior to the service.

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