In Loving Memory of Rodney “Rod” Gadson, DPM To know Rod was to know laughter, kindness, generosity, and love. He had a special way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for often with a warm smile, a thoughtful gesture, or one of his perfectly timed silly jokes. His compassion, humor, and genuine concern made people feel comfortable and heard. He was respected not only for the physician he was, but for the person he was. But above all, Rod’s heart belonged to his family. He was a devoted son who deeply loved his parents and wanted nothing more than to make them proud. As a stepfather to Rachel and Madison, he loved wholeheartedly celebrating their accomplishments, encouraging their dreams, and proudly loving them as his own. To his friends, Rod was loyal, generous, dependable, and unforgettable. He showed up when it mattered, offered encouragement when it was needed, and could always find a reason to make someone laugh. And to Melissa, Rod was home, where his HEART Lives All will miss his voice, his laughter, his jokes, and simply having Rod near. His legacy lives in the people he loved the lives he touched, and the memories that will continue to bring both tears and smiles.
Acknowledgement The family of Dr. Rodney G. Gadson extends our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has surrounded us with love, prayers, kindness, and support during this difficult time. Your comforting words, thoughtful gestures, and presence have meant more to us than we can express. We are deeply grateful for the many lives Rod touched and for all who join us in honoring and celebrating his life. Please continue to keep our family in your prayers as we cherish the memories of our beloved son, husband, dad, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, and friend. With love and gratitude, The Family of Dr. Rodney G. Gadson
DR. RODNEY G GADSON OCTOBER 24, 1966
AUGUST 23, 2026
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 11:00 A.M. EST ST. MARY’S ROAD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3993 ST. MARY’S ROAD • COLUMBUS, GA 31907 REV. DR. ADRIANE MCGEE BURGESS, PASTOR
DR. RODNEY G GADSON Born October 24, 1966, in Cuthbert, Georgia, to the late Dr. Melvin Gadson and Mrs. Narrest Hunter Gadson, Rodney “Rod” Gadson grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, where he was baptized and joined Bethel Baptist Church. He later moved to Clemmons, North Carolina, graduating from West Forsyth High School as a standout basketball and baseball athlete. Rod played basketball at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Winston-Salem State University. There, he was initiated into the Beta Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., serving as chapter president. He continued his academic journey at Tuskegee University, earning a Master of Science in Biology, before receiving his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 1995. Dr. Gadson served others as a respected podiatrist specializing in foot and ankle surgery, spending most of his career with American Foot & Leg Specialists, P.C. He was deeply respected by his colleagues and beloved by the many patients he cared for. A faithful member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Rod married the love of his life, Melissa Scott Gadson, on July 24, 2020. He lovingly embraced Madison and Rachel as his own daughters, and his devotion to his family was one of his greatest joys.
Rod loved traveling, grilling, gardening, live sports, college football, the Dallas Cowboys, and his hometown Atlanta Braves. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, humor, devotion, and the unmistakable joy he brought to those around him. His legacy endures in the brotherhoods and friendships he treasured, and most of all, in the family he loved so deeply. Rodney is survived by his loving wife, Melissa Scott Gadson; his cherished daughters, Rachel and Madison; and his devoted mother, Mrs. Narrest Hunter Gadson. He was preceded in death by his beloved father, Dr. Melvin Gadson. He also leaves behind a loving extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, fraternity brothers, and dear friends whose bonds with Rod made them family.