Rodney V. Saunders III

June 9, 1955 - July 22, 2025

Rodney V. Saunders III passed away in his home in Griffin GA. A retired firefighter and EMT, he served his community at the College Park Fire Department for 26 years. Many of his colleagues knew him as "Hot Rod" or "The Rodfather". He was passionate about music, classic cars, and helping others. His favorite pastime was driving, whether it be a day trip to the beach, just to stand in the sand, or through the old neighborhoods he lived in, in the South Metro Atlanta area. As a teenager he was a member of a high school band, Odom Estelle as the drummer and his first car was a 1967 Ford Mustang. He was born in Ft. Rucker AL to his late parents Rodney V. Saunders Jr. and Nancy H. Saunders. He is preceded in death by his wife Deborah Saunders, brothers Paul Saunders, Donald Saunders, and William Saunders. He is survived by his siblings Sharon (Bill) Bryan, Stephen (Kris) Saunders, and Stacey (Patrick) Oliphant, his children Autumn (James) McGrath, Rodney (Kayla Sanders) Saunders IV, Angie (Gary) Filla, Jaime Rechy, and Pamela Stephens, his grand and great grandchildren, Kala, Amber, James, Cystal, Sydney, Joshua, Jamie, Damon, Landon, Abigail, and Beau.

A Celebration of Life will be held

August 27, 2025

4p-8p

Located at the Train Depot

847 Senoia Rd. Tyrone GA 30290