Rodney Allen “Rod” Taylor, 56, of Suffolk, died unexpectedly on June 2, 2017.

Born in Carrollton, Kentucky, he was predeceased by his parents, Howard R. Taylor and Jean A. Taylor, and his brother, Robert C. Taylor.

Rod was a 1989 honor graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and had recently celebrated 20 years as a senior safety engineer at Newport News Shipbuilding.

He enjoyed hunting and was a member of the Sunray Hunt Club and the Izaak Walton League of Suffolk. He was past softball commissioner and past president of Suffolk Youth Athletic Association. He was a member of St. Mary’s of the Presentation Catholic Church and of the Knights of Columbus, Suffolk Council 7363.

If you had a conversation with Rod, you were sure to hear about Delaney’s softball, the latest on his sweet grandchildren or his passion for his beloved University of Kentucky basketball — not necessarily in that order.

He is survived by his wife, Priscilla; son, Brandon (Cindy); daughter, Delaney; sister, Beverlie Taylor (Jennifer); and grandchildren, Grace and Nicholas. In addition, he will be missed by brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and many cousins and friends.

A Mass to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at St. Mary’s of the Presentation, 202 S. Broad Street, Suffolk. A reception will immediately follow in the church social hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mary’s of the Presentation; to Suffolk Youth Athletic Association, PO Box 3081, Suffolk, VA 23439; or to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be registered at RWBakerFH.com.

R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.