A friend· May 23, 2026
Test
Let the memory of Rodney be with us forever.
Rodney Lee Kimble entered the presence of his Savior peacefully on Friday, April 17th, after a hard-fought battle that he faced with incredible strength, faith, and determination. While our hearts are shattered by his passing, we rejoice in knowing that Rodney knew exactly where he was going. His faith in Jesus Christ was steadfast, unwavering, and deeply personal. As Scripture says, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23.
Rodney Lee Kimble was born to Kay Donna (Taylor) Cherry and Rodney Gale Kimble. He was blessed with the love and guidance of his stepfather, Bob Cherry. He is survived by his devoted wife of 20 years, Kristin Kimble, the love of his life and his steady anchor through every season of life. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, hard work, and unconditional love. Rodney was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Roy and Letha Taylor, and paternal grandparents, Thurman and Lena Kimble.
Rodney was a proud father to Taylor James, Allison Jones, Daven Kimble, and Avery Kimble. He loved his children fiercely and never stopped trying to provide, protect, encourage, and show up for them in every way he could. Becoming “Papaw” brought an entirely different kind of joy to his life. His grandchildren, Miles James and Bobby Jones, absolutely hung the moon in his eyes. Nothing could light him up faster than hearing their voices, seeing their faces, or getting to spend time with them.
He is also survived by his siblings Rodger Kimble, John Kimble, Hannah Lynch, Morgan Millar, Kathryn Kimble, Shanna Jones, and Lance Cherry, along with numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved deeply. Rodney went out of his way to mentor them, spend time with them, encourage them, joke with them, and make sure they always knew they were loved. He was the kind of uncle who showed up, stayed involved, and left a lasting impact on the lives of the younger generations around him.
To know Rodney was to love him. He had the kind of presence that made people instantly feel comfortable. He could walk into any room and within minutes have everyone laughing. His smile was unforgettable, and his laugh was contagious. Even when something was not funny, if Rodney laughed, everyone else found themselves laughing too. He carried a warmth and charm that cannot be taught and will never be replaced.
Rodney was the hardest working man in any room he entered. Even during cancer treatments, while his body was failing him, he continued to work for nearly three years because providing for his family mattered that much to him. He never stopped fighting for the people he loved. If someone needed help, whether financially, physically, spiritually, or emotionally, Rodney showed up. Sometimes for family, sometimes for friends, and many times for complete strangers. He gave whatever he had to give, often without recognition and without hesitation.
He loved hard, worked hard, and lived fully. He loved motorcycles and the freedom they represented. He loved riding side by sides with family and friends, smoking meat for gatherings, fellowshipping with the people he loved, and dreaming up new ideas and ventures. Rodney could build almost anything with his hands. He was talented beyond measure, a true entrepreneur, visionary, and creator. He was good at making money and even better at spending it, something the family lovingly teased him about often.
Most importantly, Rodney loved the Lord with all his heart. He never claimed to be a perfect man. In fact, he would be the first to tell you he had made mistakes. But watching his faith grow throughout his life was one of the greatest blessings for those who loved him. He served faithfully in his church however he was needed, volunteering, leading, preaching when asked, and encouraging others in their walk with Christ. His relationship with Jesus became the foundation of his life and the peace he carried into his final days.
Though we grieve deeply, we do not grieve without hope. Rodney leaves behind a legacy of laughter, sacrifice, generosity, grit, faith, and fierce love. His absence leaves an ache that words cannot fully capture, but Heaven gained a faithful servant.
2 Timothy 4:7 says: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
And Rodney truly did.
Until we meet again.
Resting place · Hungry Mountain Cemetery, Cherokee County, OK
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A friend· May 23, 2026
When i think of my dad, I think about the last year of his life and how it was probably a lot different for me than it was for everyone else. We made a lot of happy memories this last year, and i will never forget them. We became close, and he was like a friend to me. When i became a parent, i understood him more than i ever had. And i think he finally began to understand me as well. He always had a weird way of making you think differently and outside of the box. I will always cherish and miss his laughter. He had a laugh that could make anyone giggle, even if you didnt know what was so funny. Watching him be a pawpaw to my son was the greatest joy and biggest blessing. For him and i both i think. He loved Bobby so loudly. And even though he never knew i found out, i know he defended us SEVERAL times when it came to parenting choices we were making. I wish i could send him more pictures of Bobby. He always said “how handsome” and that he couldnt wait to chase him around when he grew up. I could go on and on about these last years with our dad. But i think the thing that could describe dad the most is this: Me and Nick were discussing how hard it is at times for us at church because we miss him being there. How sometimes we’re the only ones crying because the moment itself isnt sad, but we are. And i told Nick, even if i hadnt seen dad much that week, i knew without a doubt he would be at church on sunday and id see him then. It was something i began to rely on, knowing id see him at church. And i thought to myself, “That describes dad so well”. Even though he was so sick and at times could barely stand up with the pain he was in, you could count on him being in the back of that church. Willing to lay his life down for that church and everyone in it. Dad loved his church and his church family like they were blood related. I hope im able to have a church family HALF as amazing as dads was to him. I know he appreciated it. I will always think of my dad and miss him. I dont doubt that that wont change. But i am jealous he is rejoicing in heaven, and i am here without him. I selfishly wish he could have healed here on Earth, but i know he got the better deal. His grandson will always know how much his pawpaw love and adored him. Dad basically busted down the hospital door to get to us when he was born. He was the first person i wanted my sister to text when i was in surgery having our son. His relationship with my son meant more to me than i could truly ever describe. I know he is im Heaven looking over Bobby. And if i parent just right, one day far far away, him and Bobby will see each other again. It is better to have loved him and lost him, than to never have loved him. -On behalf of Allison (daughter), Nick, and grandson Bobby Lee.