Roderick Hardin, Jr.

Roderick “Rod” Hardin, Jr was born July 14, 1973 to Roderick Hardin and Carolyn Brogdon Hardin. He was an amazing older brother and role model to his sister Yvette and brother Xavier (mother – Sarah Hardin). Roderick graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1991. He attended American International University and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 2011. Rod joined the United States Army directly after graduating from high school. He was a combat medic and was stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany and Fort Stewart, Georgia until his honorable discharge in 1995. Roderick met and fell in love with his beloved wife Julie, in 1997 while they were both working at Norwest Bank. They married in July, 1999 and were blessed with three amazing daughters, Kendall, Imani, and Kianna. He loved his four girls (wife and daughters) unconditionally. He found great joy in coaching his daughters in both soccer and basketball. He was a fierce protector, bountiful provider, and the heart of his family. They will miss him immensely but his spirit will live in them. Roderick always had a passion for teaching and coaching and decided to obtain his certification. At the time of his death he was employed at H.B. Zachry Middle School as a special education teacher and coach. Rod’s reach was far and wide and he impacted everyone he came in contact with. He never missed an opportunity to interact with students, both past and present, and provide them with words of wisdom and encouragement. One of Rod’s lifelong dreams was to join the Masonic brotherhood. He was able to reach that goal when he joined the fraternity, becoming a member of the John T. Maxey 74 Lodge, in November 2018. Rod leaves behind to cherish their memories his wife Julie, daughters Kendall, Imani, and Kianna, mother Carolyn, sister Yvette, brother Xavier, and mentor and cousin “Big Bryce” Hardin. He also leaves behind a host of relatives and friends whose life were blessed because Rod was a part of it.