HARRY, RODNEY A., 56, of Midlothian, VA, passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, as a result of multiple complications from diabetes. Rodney graduated from Petersburg High School (Class of 1983) and from Virginia Commonwealth University (1990). He was also a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserve, where he served eight years. He worked for 30 years in the national security arena in multiple positions of federal government service. He grew up attending Zion Baptist Church with his family, and he joined St. Paul’s Baptist Church as an adult.

Brother Harry, a 2008 initiate of the Richmond (VA) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., was a Grand Chapter Life Member, was a dedicated member of his home chapter. He served in significant leadership roles including: Keeper of Records (27th & 28th Administrations), 1st Vice Polemarch (29th Administration), chairman of the “Chapter of the Year” design/submission committee (winning “Eastern Province Chapter of the Year” with his submission), chairman/editor of the then monthly “RAC Scroll” newsletter, original creator/administrator of the chapter’s informative Facebook page, and Parliamentarian (32nd and 33rdAdministrations). He was recognized as the “Brother of the Year” during the course of his membership.

His most recent accolades included serving his beloved alma mater, Virginia Commonwealth University, as the President of the VCU African American Alumni Council (VCU AAAC). To date, he was the longest serving president in the 30-year history of the organization (2014-2020). At the conclusion of his service, he was recognized by the 5th President of Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Health System, Michael Rao, Ph.D. via a special video tribute, for his outstanding leadership (see link below). He continued to serve on the VCU Alumni Board of Governors (2019-Present) and was awarded as the 2021 recipient of the VCU Alumni Association President’s Award for Exceptional Volunteer Service earlier this year.

Originally from Petersburg, VA, Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Lillian T. Harry. He is survived by his two sons, Jordan A. Harry of Philadelphia, PA, and Morgan C. Harry of Midlothian, VA; and his brother, Timothy C. Harry of Petersburg, VA. In addition, two aunts, Dorothy Tillman and Gloria G. Tucker; two uncles, James Ervin and Ronnie Tucker; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. The family would like to extend special gratitude for assistance and acts of kindness during Rodney’s illness to his cousin Andre Ervin; best friend, Carl Granderson; and a former wife, Deidra Griffin-Harry.