Rodney McCoy Privette

Rodney McCoy Privette, Sr., 67, Rolesville Fire Chief, devoted community servant, and beloved father and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, August 17th. 

Born and raised in Rolesville, Rodney leaves behind a legacy of steadfast service to his community. Along with his sister Teresa, he owned Privette Insurance Agency, which has served Rolesville since it was established in 1962 by his parents, June and Mary Frances Privette. He became a volunteer member of the Rolesville Fire Department in 1975, and has served as chief since 1992. He was a valued member of several community boards, including Wake Electric Membership Corporation, Wake Forest Federal Savings & Loan, and the Wake County Fire Commission. He was instrumental in forming the Rolesville Business Association, which became the Rolesville Chamber of Commerce. He also was a lifelong member of Rolesville Baptist Church. The many roles he has filled in service to his hometown are too numerous to list. Rodney truly taught us what it means to live a life of devotion to others.

Rodney was a key leader in the Rolesville community. Funny and engaging, he truly "never met a stranger," and his contagious laugh was ever-present at every social event and gathering. Despite his busy schedule, he seemed to always have time to stop and chat. He loved the people of his hometown, and leaves behind scores of loyal, lifelong friends. 

Despite the countless roles Rodney filled in his community, he was most fiercely devoted to his role as father and grandfather. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his family, and his almost daily calls to check in and chat with his children will be greatly missed and cherished for a lifetime. Rodney genuinely loved spending time with his three grandsons. They will remember so many big hugs, golf cart rides, sleepovers, trips to the beach, sunny days in the pool, and the fact that "PaPa Rodney” was just always there - for every game, for every school event, for every birthday. The void he leaves in our lives can never be filled. 

Rodney is preceded in death by his parents, June McCoy and Mary Frances Privette, both of Rolesville. He leaves behind his children, Coy Privette and wife Niki, Brandi Privette, Mary Privette and Will Privette; three grandsons, Hunter, Carson, and Andrew Privette; three siblings, Debra Poole and husband Grady, Al Privette and wife Bobbie, and Teresa Mobley and husband Kris, along with 6 nieces and nephews; and fiancé Susan Cashion and her family.

Our family invites you to join us in honoring Rodney's life and legacy at a church service at 3pm on Sunday, August 21st at Rolesville Baptist Church, 203 E. Young Street, Rolesville, NC 27571.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (firehero.org), a cause to which Rodney devoted nearly 50 years of his life, or to his church home, Rolesville Baptist Church, P. O. Box 185, Rolesville, NC 27571.

We will welcome visitors on Saturday, August 20th, 5pm - 8pm, at Bright Funeral Home, 405 S. Main St. in Wake Forest. (919-556-5811)

www.brightfunerals.com

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FUNERAL SERVICE (Thank you to Matt Britt, Ron Bartholomew, Jerry Pearce, Ellen Holding, and the AV Team of Rolesville Baptist Church)