Anthony Rodefer Obituary

Anthony Wayne Rodefer

February 7, 1961 -

October 5, 2024

a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away on October 5, 2024 at the age of 63. Tony was born on February 7, 1961 in Kingsport, Tennessee to Robert and Dorothy Rodefer. He was a 1979 graduate of Sullivan Central High School where he played football. He attended the University of Tennessee where he received his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science in 1984. He continued his education at East Tennessee State University where he received his M.B.A in 1989.

Tony moved to Greeneville, Tennessee in 1984 where he worked as a Systems Programmer for Philips Consumer Electronics. He moved to Nashville in 1987 to work as a Systems Engineer for Data General and moved into Healthcare Division Management. He was a Professional Services Area Manager at EMC, a Regional Sales Director at Dell, and a National Account Manager (Healthcare) for Avaya. He retired from IBM as a Client Executive {Healthcare). Tony won numerous awards throughout his career, as well as serving on the board of the Nashville Technology Council, but he was most known for making meaningful connections and mentoring his coworkers.

Tony had a passion for sports, especially football, which began with his love of the Tennessee Vols and playing as an offensive lineman and captain for the Central Cougars. On game days, you could often find him in his favorite recliner watching the Tennessee Titans or Vols play. And when he wasn't watching, he was in his garage listening to sports radio.

His passion for sports was surpassed by his love for his children and grandchildren. He constantly shared how proud he was of them, whether it was due to personal or professional achievements, or for simply being themselves. No matter what, they always knew they were loved and they had Dad or Papa T in their corner. He was also a huge fan of Superman and his family always looked at him as their superhero. He was SUPER funny, SUPER smart, and SUPER caring. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Tony is survived by his wife of 36 years, Lori Ferrell Rodefer of Mt. Juliet, his son Jake Rodefer and wife Tabitha of Mt. Juliet, daughter Meredith Minor and husband JT of Waukee, Iowa, and daughter Chrissy Miller and husband Jordan of Lebanon; his 5 grandchildren, Kylee Boyington and Wesley Rodefer, Millie and Isaac Minor, and Jett Miller; his sister Lois Phelps and husband Vern; and his sister Teresa McBride and husband Gary. Special family members: Jimmy Rodefer, Debbie Wilson, Robyn McAdoo, Lisa Newland, Karen Martin, Bob Martin, Ivy Click, and Ginny Rowland and several additional nieces and nephews.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents Robert Joseph Rodefer and Dorothy Hensley Rodefer and his brother Bob Rodefer.

Remembrances in Tony's name can be made to American Heart Association, Providence Church and Grace UMC.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on October 26, 2024 at Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet, 2229 N. Mt. Juliet Road. Pastor Jacob Armstrong will lead us in a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m.

Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet, (615) 758-5459.