Obituary of Rodney Alan Florance

Rodney Alan Florance went Home to be with the Lord he loved so much June 7, 2021. He had mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.

He was a family man who loved his wife, children, their spouses, and his grandchildren sacrificially. More importantly, Rodney loved Jesus with all his heart, mind and soul.

He was born in Binghamton, NY in 1950 to Elwin and Elizabeth Florance. As a youngster growing up in Tucson, Arizona, he learned to work on cars and graduated from Rincon High School.

Rodney joined the National Guard in 1972. After earning a BA in education at the University of Arizona, he married Nancy and joined the regular Army, all in 1976. While in the Army he fixed HAWK missile launchers and the hydraulic systems of Chinook helicopters.

In 1984 he started his career as a service technician for Bear automotive diagnostic equipment for the Pacific Northwest. In this capacity Rodney faithfully supported his family the majority of their growing years. He consistently got local and national awards for his ability.

After retirement he served at Calvary Baptist Church, 6511 S. C street in Tacoma. During these years he was known as "Grandpa Flo" as his children's families grew to include 15 grandchildren.

If something could break, Rodney could fix it. He was often heard saying "I have a tool for that." He also had an uncanny ability of getting along with all sorts of people, especially the downtrodden.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, children Rodney Scott (Kadra), Sherry Reid, Christi Chang (Chase), David (Tina), James (RaeDawn) and his grandchildren, all whom he loved so much. His sense of humor and spirit of humility will live on in them.

A celebration of life at his church will be in the autumn. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to one of the following ministries Rodney supported: Calvary Baptist Church, Joni (Erickson Tada) and Kids, or Samaritan Ministries.