Rodney K. Ralls transitioned from his earthly tabernacle to reward, gaining his wings on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at Danbury Hospital.

The eldest of three children born to Ethel H. Ralls and the late Oscar Ralls, Rodney was born on November 5, 1954, in New Haven, CT.

Rodney was educated in the New Haven public school system where he was an accomplished student (when he wasn’t playing hooky!) Growing up he loved sports, in particular, baseball which led him to join the Babe Ruth baseball league. Being the consummate athlete he was, Rodney always strived to DO his best and to BE the best. He graduated from Wilbur Cross high school in 1973, receiving letters for
each sport he excelled in; baseball, diving, and football.

He served in the United States Army, entering at Fort Polk, LA, then serving with Company C, 4th Battalion at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, reenlisting for a second tour and separating from Fort Dix, NJ: he attained the rank of Specialist Four. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1977 and in 1980. Rod enjoyed activities such as swimming, playing chess, pool, bowling, darts, dominoes, and backgammon; he equally enjoyed the blues. His love for blues music found him as the host of a popular blues radio program on 94.3 WYBC, where he was known as “Lightning Rod.”

Those who remain to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his mother, Ethel H. Ralls, sister Debra James, brother Gregory Rawls, Godmother Alice Horner, niece Kristin Ralls, nephew Jacob Rawls, and a host of cousins, family, and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 12, 2021, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm at Dixwell Avenue Congregational U.C.C., 217 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven, CT.