Celebrating the life of
Rodman Austin McLeod
September 27, 1943 - March 14, 2013
Savannah, GA ……. Surrounded by family and friends Rodman Austin McLeod died peacefully at home on March 14, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a strong, joyful, and caring man whose integrity and unwavering commitment to his family and friends was an inspiration to many. He touched the lives of all who knew him, and his memory will live with us.
Rod was born in Atlanta, Georgia on September 27, 1943. He had an impressive academic record, graduating from Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT with a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering and from Harvard Business School with a Masters in Business Administration. In 1979 he moved to Savannah with his wife, Trish, to whom he was married for 42 years. He had a long and distinguished business career as President and owner of Espy Lumber Company on Hilton Head Island, S.C.
To say that Rod lived life to the fullest would be an understatement. Whether sailing on the Vernon River, enjoying his beloved farm in Virginia, fly fishing in Montana, making his annual trek with friends to his favorite island getaway on St. John, Virgin Islands or simply playing the guitar for his beautiful granddaughters, his hearty laugh and gusto for life enchanted everyone.
As a proud Scot, he was past president of The Saint Andrews Society and served as Chairman of The Saint Andrews Society Heritage Fund. He was past chairman of Southern Building Materials Association. Rod was on the Board of Directors of SunTrust Bank, Savannah and a member of World President's Organization, The Society of Colonial Wars, The Rotary Club of Savannah, The Oglethorpe Club and The Savannah Golf Club.
In addition to his wife, Patricia Clift McLeod, he is survived by his daughter, Anna McLeod McKay, and husband, John, of Beijing, China; a son, Michael Rodman McLeod, and wife, Bradley, of Savannah and two granddaughters: Callan Catherine Montgomery McKay and Caroline Aubrey McLeod. He was predeceased by his parents, Sarah Austin McLeod and Theodore Bunyon McLeod of Atlanta.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 17th, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at their home at 9970 Whitefield Avenue. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, March 18th, at 11:00 a.m. at home followed by a reception on the bluff.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested contributions to The Saint Andrews Society Heritage Fund, 220 East Liberty Street, Savannah, GA 31401 or The Savannah Tree Foundation, 3025 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31405.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
An old friend and classmate at North Fulton High School in Atlanta. He was someone to look up to.
- Bernie Ragsdale, Beaufort, SC
Rod, always a great man, someone to look up to. I feel privileged and am happy to have known him for over 40 years. My one and only brother in law. Thinking of you all, with love and strength to carry on his life qualities.
- Carol Nelson, Sydney, GA
Trish -- Tim and I met you and Rod years ago at the farm and Tim and Rod played some music together. He was such a nice guy and we enjoyed spending time with you both at the farm. We're sorry for your loss. John Sabean said you told him the best gift was having had a year to mourn together. I know that was hard but is indeed a wonderful gift. Take care. We're thinking about you.
- Ann Sauls, Roanoke, VA
I will miss our chats at the St. Andrews Society meetings. God bless a great Scot. Greg McLean
- Gregory McLean, Savannah, GA
So long ago in Botetourt County Virginia, I had the pleasure of sharing many fine evenings with Rod and Trish, Barry and Shirley and H&H Little. Some moments are worth a Life Time! I am saddened by the loss of Rod and the sadness of Trish and her family.
- VG Buck, Sonoma, CA
All of you are in my prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. God bless.
- Eve Pinckney, Okatie, SC
I had the priviledge of working for Rod and Espy Lumber many years. He was a great man. My prayers to your family.
- Stephanie Bright, ,
Rod, remembered with fondness as one of the world's most gentlemen. The same world is the poorer for your passing. Peter
- Peter Nelson, Sydney, GA
Clare and I, along with all the members of the TAB community, and especially those who sat with Rod on his TAB Board these past six years, will miss him very, very much. He hosted the meetings often. His analytical focus was legendary and his sense of humor contagious. To the family and to everyone at ESPY, our sympathies and our prayers.
- Bernie Moscovitz, Beaufort, SC
Being recently employed with Espy Lumber, my exposure to Rod was limited to monthly meetings. In this short period I realized Rod was a person you gave the best you had because that was what he was offering you. I know I would have loved to have known him better. My prayers go out to Rod and the family and know he will be greatly missed.
- Doug and Barbara Bernthal, Beaufort, SC
Dear Trish, Anna and Michael, we offer our love and condolences. Warmly, Preston and Barbara Russell
- preston russell, MD, savannah, GA
Trish, my thoughts are with you during the loss of your husband. May you and the family be comforted with your pleasant memories.
- Carolyn Bell, Savannah, GA
Don and I were so sad to hear about Rod's passing. He was such a kind, wonderful person. Don had many interesting sailing trips with Rod and Jimbo and thought highly of him. You and your family are in our thoughts...hugs from Bluffton. Babbie and Don Guscio
- Babbie Guscio, Bluffton, SC
My heartfelt sympathy to Trish, Anna, Michael and Rod's grandchildren. To have had Rod in our lives was a blessing too great to express. To have known Rod at Espy Lumber as a boss and a friend was a wonderful and rare experience. His kindness, cheerfulness, thoughtfulness, selflessness and incredible intelligence are very rare qualities. He will be sorely missed by all, hundreds of us, who have had the extreme pleasure to have known him.
- Althea Hicks, Bluffton, SC
I can only say I will never forget his laugh and his smile. His children and wife all reflect the same qualities as this great gentlemen. May he rest in peace. LOVE
- Roddy Ledlie, Bloomingdale, GA
McLeod Family I had the pleasure of working with Rod in his role on the SunTrust board of directors. He was an extremely genuine man and I feel quite fortunate to have come to know him. My condolences and prayers are with each of you.
- Lisa Dean, Savannah, GA
Having worked for Rod for nearly 14 years at Espy Lumber Co., I was in awe of his educational accomplishments and his ability to show his compasionate side whenever I needed to discuss business and/or personal issues. We both enjoyed discussing our mutual upbringings in Atlanta, my graduating from Northside High and Rod from nearby North Fulton High, I being the older by 3 years. I'll truly miss him at the office and Brenda and myself wish the family the best in a difficult time! Jeff Brown
- jeff & brenda brown, bluffton, SC
Im so sorry to hear about Rod, we had many great laughs while he sat in my chair getting a haircut! Such a wonderful man he was,always sharing with me the great times with his family.He will be sadley missed. your family are in my thoughts and prayers. kelly morrison commerce place salon
- kelly, richmondhill, GA
Trish, Anna and Michael, I am so sorry to learn of Rod's passing. I didn't know he was ill. I'm sure you have many good memories of his life on which you can hold.
- Tricia Ray, Savannah, GA
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time. I admired Rod for the businessman and boss that he was and always enjoyed hearing of his trips and sailing. heaven has just received another wonderful angel.
- Kris Murphy, Bluffton, SC
An old friend and classmate at North Fulton High School in Atlanta. He was someone to look up to.
- Bernie Ragsdale, Beaufort, SC
Rod, always a great man, someone to look up to. I feel privileged and am happy to have known him for over 40 years. My one and only brother in law. Thinking of you all, with love and strength to carry on his life qualities.
- Carol Nelson, Sydney, GA
Trish -- Tim and I met you and Rod years ago at the farm and Tim and Rod played some music together. He was such a nice guy and we enjoyed spending time with you both at the farm. We're sorry for your loss. John Sabean said you told him the best gift was having had a year to mourn together. I know that was hard but is indeed a wonderful gift. Take care. We're thinking about you.
- Ann Sauls, Roanoke, VA
I will miss our chats at the St. Andrews Society meetings. God bless a great Scot. Greg McLean
- Gregory McLean, Savannah, GA
So long ago in Botetourt County Virginia, I had the pleasure of sharing many fine evenings with Rod and Trish, Barry and Shirley and H&H Little. Some moments are worth a Life Time! I am saddened by the loss of Rod and the sadness of Trish and her family.
- VG Buck, Sonoma, CA
All of you are in my prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. God bless.
- Eve Pinckney, Okatie, SC
I had the priviledge of working for Rod and Espy Lumber many years. He was a great man. My prayers to your family.
- Stephanie Bright, ,
Rod, remembered with fondness as one of the world's most gentlemen. The same world is the poorer for your passing. Peter
- Peter Nelson, Sydney, GA
Clare and I, along with all the members of the TAB community, and especially those who sat with Rod on his TAB Board these past six years, will miss him very, very much. He hosted the meetings often. His analytical focus was legendary and his sense of humor contagious. To the family and to everyone at ESPY, our sympathies and our prayers.
- Bernie Moscovitz, Beaufort, SC
Being recently employed with Espy Lumber, my exposure to Rod was limited to monthly meetings. In this short period I realized Rod was a person you gave the best you had because that was what he was offering you. I know I would have loved to have known him better. My prayers go out to Rod and the family and know he will be greatly missed.
- Doug and Barbara Bernthal, Beaufort, SC
Dear Trish, Anna and Michael, we offer our love and condolences. Warmly, Preston and Barbara Russell
- preston russell, MD, savannah, GA
Trish, my thoughts are with you during the loss of your husband. May you and the family be comforted with your pleasant memories.
- Carolyn Bell, Savannah, GA
Don and I were so sad to hear about Rod's passing. He was such a kind, wonderful person. Don had many interesting sailing trips with Rod and Jimbo and thought highly of him. You and your family are in our thoughts...hugs from Bluffton. Babbie and Don Guscio
- Babbie Guscio, Bluffton, SC
My heartfelt sympathy to Trish, Anna, Michael and Rod's grandchildren. To have had Rod in our lives was a blessing too great to express. To have known Rod at Espy Lumber as a boss and a friend was a wonderful and rare experience. His kindness, cheerfulness, thoughtfulness, selflessness and incredible intelligence are very rare qualities. He will be sorely missed by all, hundreds of us, who have had the extreme pleasure to have known him.
- Althea Hicks, Bluffton, SC
I can only say I will never forget his laugh and his smile. His children and wife all reflect the same qualities as this great gentlemen. May he rest in peace. LOVE
- Roddy Ledlie, Bloomingdale, GA
McLeod Family I had the pleasure of working with Rod in his role on the SunTrust board of directors. He was an extremely genuine man and I feel quite fortunate to have come to know him. My condolences and prayers are with each of you.
- Lisa Dean, Savannah, GA
Having worked for Rod for nearly 14 years at Espy Lumber Co., I was in awe of his educational accomplishments and his ability to show his compasionate side whenever I needed to discuss business and/or personal issues. We both enjoyed discussing our mutual upbringings in Atlanta, my graduating from Northside High and Rod from nearby North Fulton High, I being the older by 3 years. I'll truly miss him at the office and Brenda and myself wish the family the best in a difficult time! Jeff Brown
- jeff & brenda brown, bluffton, SC
Im so sorry to hear about Rod, we had many great laughs while he sat in my chair getting a haircut! Such a wonderful man he was,always sharing with me the great times with his family.He will be sadley missed. your family are in my thoughts and prayers. kelly morrison commerce place salon
- kelly, richmondhill, GA
Trish, Anna and Michael, I am so sorry to learn of Rod's passing. I didn't know he was ill. I'm sure you have many good memories of his life on which you can hold.
- Tricia Ray, Savannah, GA
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time. I admired Rod for the businessman and boss that he was and always enjoyed hearing of his trips and sailing. heaven has just received another wonderful angel.
- Kris Murphy, Bluffton, SC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
