Deacon Roderick Devon Davis

“To know Roderick was to love him. He wasn’t just in the room—he was the spirit of it. He was, simply put, 'That Guy.'”

Born in Dallas, Texas, on November 13, 1975, Roderick Devon Davis entered the world with a light that would guide, comfort, and uplift others for the rest of his days. Raised with deep Texas roots, strong family values, and an immovable faith, Roderick grew into a man of undeniable integrity—benevolent, trustworthy, honorable, and fiercely selfless.

After graduating from Lakeview Centennial High School with the Class of 1995, Roderick set out to build a life centered on service and personal achievement, attending Texas Barber College and earning his Associate Degree in Business Management from the University of  Phoenix. 

Roderick accepted Christ into his heart at an early age at Greater St. John Primitive Baptist Church under the foundational leadership of the late Elder F.L. Livingston—a spiritual home where his uncle, Pastor Michael Davis Sr., currently carries on the mantle of leadership today. There, Roderick’s joyful spirit resonated through the sanctuary as a member of the Voices of Praise choir, while his welcoming warmth greeted all who walked through the doors during his years as a faithful usher.

As he continued his spiritual walk, Roderick became a member of The Inspiring Body of Christ Church (IBOC) under the leadership of Pastor Rickie G. Rush, where he sat under the Word and matured in his faith through 2015.

In 2015, Roderick united with Tabernacle of Deliverance under the pastorship of the late Pastor Mary F. VanZandt, where his spiritual roots continued to grow deep. It was within this sanctuary, under the leadership of Pastor Deborah Greer, that Roderick was officially ordained as a Deacon—a calling he wore not as a status, but as a holy trust. Deacon Roderick took his mantle seriously. He was a constant student of Scripture, a lover of the Word of God, and a man who was devoted to a life of prayer.

That same protective spirit extended into his professional life. For 20 years, Roderick served as a dedicated Security Officer at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. With a calm, reassuring presence and an unwavering commitment to duty, he stood as a watchful guardian over his community, earning the deep respect and affection of all who crossed his path.

Of all the roles Roderick held, his favorite was being a devoted husband. In 2015, the course of his life changed forever when he laid eyes on Scottie Carpenter. He knew instantly that his world had shifted, declaring without hesitation: "The moment I saw her, I knew she was my wife... she was my missing piece." With single-minded devotion and a hopeless romantic's heart, Roderick tirelessly pursued her. On September 17, 2016, they stood before God and family to exchange their vows.

For nearly a decade, Roderick and Scottie lived out a rare, beautiful partnership. They were more than husband and wife—they were soulmates, best friends, and truly two peas in a pod. They traveled together, laughed together, and built a sanctuary of joy around one another. Where you saw Roderick, you saw Scottie; where Scottie was, Roderick’s heart resided.

Roderick was a man who didn't need to speak loudly to make his presence felt but when he spoke, people listened—his words were measured, full of wisdom, and carried the weight of a deep, discerning truth. He was reserved, observant, and possessed a quiet warmth that comforted those around him. He enjoyed the peace of traveling, listening to good music, and spending intentional time with his family.

A passionate sports enthusiast through and through, Roderick was a die-hard fan of Dallas sports. Win or lose, he proudly repped his hometown teams, rarely missing a chance to cheer on his beloved Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks.

Roderick was reunited in glory with his beloved father, Anthony Hayden; stepfather Clarence Dunbar, his maternal grandparents, Archie Fred and JoNeita Davis; his paternal grandparents, Pearlie Mae Jackson and Charles “Tang” Hayden Sr.; and his uncle, Charles Hayden Jr.

Though his presence will be deeply missed, the rich legacy of his joy, faith, and love will live forever in the hearts of those who survive him: his devoted wife and soulmate, Scottie Davis; his son, Jonathan Kennedy; his mother, Rhonda Dunbar; his siblings, Kalisha Turner and Cheslie Davis (LaTavia); his father- and mother-in-law, Bishop Harold and Tressa Carpenter; five sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law; his grandmother-in-law; his nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, cherished church family; and a lifetime of dear friends.

“His life was a sermon, his love was an anchor, and his legacy is eternal.”  

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