Rodney Damond Postel was born on August 13th, 1965 in Dover, Ohio to Polly and Dale Postel Sr. Rodney graduated from Ridgewood High School in West Lafayette, Ohio in 1984 before joining the army and serving at Ft Sill. He served in artillery for eight years and then put himself through the Criminal Justice Academy of Osceola where he earned the Top Gun Award. He joined the Seminole County (FL) Sheriff’s Office in 1995 and in 1999 he moved to Maryville, Tennessee solely so he could work for the Blount County Sheriff’s Office where he served for 25 years, retiring in 2024. There is no doubt that Rodney opened his eyes in Heaven made completely new. He is survived by his wife Paige, Mother Polly Norton, Brothers Todd and Dale (Barbara) Postel, daughter Emma, sons Seth and Gage (Audrey), in-laws Robbie and Sharon Everett, brother-in-law Cory (dog, Ben), a host of aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, the BCSO traffic safety unit, special sisters: Donna Sparks, Shannon Carswell, Tammy Veal, Blair Cheeks, Cathy Knouff, Cathy Talbott, Katie Veal and a host of others, “his ladies” of BCSO Records and his trusty Labrador Retriever, Fiona. Rodney is proceeded in death by son Kyle, Father Dale, stepfather Nelson Norton, sister-in-law Debbie Postel, Grandparents, friend and motorman companion, Kenny Moats and beloved Diane Russell. Rodney leaves behind a legacy of determination, loyalty, strength and love. A man with a dazzling smile and a voice that could get anyone’s attention, Rodney carried the ability to make anyone feel welcomed and included. He was a Golden Retriever in a Doberman’s body. The family would like to extend their gratitude to several Doctors including: Major Tallent, Tommy Spears, Richard Savell, Eddie Kuhl, Matthew McCarty, Vaughn Dill, Erin Jackson, Jack Chavez, Natalie Sweet and NP Jazmin Lowe. Rodney and Paige also carry a heartfelt love for two special groups of people: the extraordinary nurses of UT’s Medical Critical Care Unit and the infusion nurses at UT Cancer Specialists Alcoa Office. Rodney was able to do one final act of service and was able to donate his eyes and corneas. At 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025 we will gather for a cup of coffee and share memories. A Celebration of Rodney’s Life will begin at 6:30 at East Maryville Baptist Church at 1150 East Brown School Rd. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be made to the family at CBBC - Downtown to the “Rodney Postel Benefit” Account or donations can be made to the Chilhowee View Community Center in his honor. A special thank you to Lindy McGuire, Brett Orr, Josh Riggle and Ashley Wilson.
If you have a shirt supporting Rodney, please wear it or Army green. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com
East Maryville Baptist Church
East Maryville Baptist Church
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