James Rodney Still

James Rodney Still, 69 of Kilgore, Texas, left this earth for his heavenly home on Sunday, October 6, 2019. Rodney was born July 28, 1950, in Kilgore, Texas, to James (Jimmy) and Jakey (Teeny) Mercer Still, and raised on a cotton farm in Crossroads Community. Many remember Rodney for his kind-hearted, courteous, and generous spirit, as well as his musical talent. He studied piano under Rildia Bee Cliburn and Anne Dean Turk, and after making Texas All-State choir and graduating from Kilgore High School, he pursued an education in music and archeology at Tyler Junior College, East Texas Baptist University, and Stephen F. Austin State University, where he was named among the top 10 collegiate operatic bass singers in the nation. In his 20s, shortly after surrendering his life to Christian ministry, Rodney became mentally ill and courageously lived and endured the disease, with God’s grace, for the rest of his earthly life. He was a significant musical inspiration to his family, and a blessing to his fellow home residents and staff, who were often serenaded by his classical piano offerings. He loved his family, especially his many nieces and nephews, and his kind and quick-witted humor put anyone around him at ease. Rodney was a lifelong member of Forest Home Baptist Church, and was preceded in death by his parents, James and Jakey Still, and sister, Vickie McFarland.

He is survived by his sister, Angie Clark of Kilgore; brother, Oscar Still of Kilgore; aunt, Laverne Mercer of Kilgore; nieces and nephews: Dickie (Leslie) McFarland, Scott McFarland, Rudy McFarland, Ben (Hannah) Clark, Dinah (Keith) Sullens, Katy Clark, Penny Clark, Tamara (Jason) McCann, Rocky (Chris) Carter, & Jacob Still; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Saturday, October 12, 2019, at Radar Funeral Home in Kilgore. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, October 14, at Hickory Grove Baptist Church, with Ben Clark and Chaplain Don Barron officiating. Burial will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery.