Rodney was born in Bonham, Texas, on June 24, 1953, to Tom and Bernice Neal. Growing up in Bonham, he developed many lifelong friendships and became an avid athlete. He graduated from Bonham High School in 1971 and continued his education at Grayson County College.
In 1973, Rodney attended the Texas Highway Patrol School and began his career as a Texas State Trooper. He was first stationed in Kaufman County, where he went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from East Texas State University. In 1975, he transferred to McKinney as a state trooper, where he quickly became a highly respected and trusted officer in Collin County. Over the years, Rodney received numerous recognitions for his service, dedication, and bravery. He retired from the Department of Public Safety in 1987 but continued his work in law enforcement as a criminal investigator for the Collin County District Attorney’s Office. Rodney had an extraordinary gift for solving cases—he was truly a rockstar in his profession.
Rodney met the love of his life, Kelly, in 1988, and they married in 1991. For over 34 years, they shared a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. He was a devoted husband, father, Pop, sibling, coach, and friend.
His love for sports carried into his role as a father, coaching his children in every sport they played until they reached the college level. He and Kelly traveled the country cheering them on as they continued competing at the collegiate level. Rodney also shared his talent with many young athletes through private baseball and softball lessons—several of whom went on to play in college as well.
Rodney had a lifelong passion for golf. He was a charter member of the original McKinney Country Club and later joined Eldorado Country Club. He played every chance he got—and then played daily after retiring in 2019 from his remarkable 45-year career in law enforcement. Naturally, he passed on his love for the game to his sons and grandson.
Rodney was a man of deep faith and strong moral convictions. A committed public servant, he lived his life fully and purposefully. He had a passion for history, a profound sense of patriotism, and a great love for his country.
He collected friends wherever he went and was loved by many.
Rodney is survived by his wife, Kelly; his children, Ginger Taylor (Bret), Zack Love (Amanda), Dylan Neal (Kristen), and Delaney Frizzell (Stephen); his grandchildren, Jenna Taylor, Tessa Taylor, Kinsley Love, Cooper Love, Presley Love, Cayson Neal, Shaylee Neal, and Lyla Frizzell; his siblings, Johnny Neal (Mary Jane) and Linda Bickers; and many other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Bernice Neal, and his sister, Virginia Glover.
A Celebration of Life for Rodney will be held on Wednesday evening, December 17, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Eldorado Country Club, 2604 Country Club Drive, McKinney, Texas 75072. Friends and family are invited to attend.
The family requests memorial donations be made in Rodney’s honor to the Texas DPS Troopers Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Collin County, or American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) to support causes Rodney believed deeply in.
