pAIKEN, SC- Rodney L. Sawyer, age 71, of Aiken, South Carolina, peacefully passed away at his home after a struggle with cancer. /ppA graveside memorial service organized by French Funeral Home, Edwards will be held at the South Russell Cemetery on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 4:00 p.m., officiated by his son-in-law, Reverend John Leslie. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com./ppRodney was born on November 28, 1944 in Gouverneur to Richard F. and Mary (Fuller) Sawyer Sr. He attended Knox Memorial Central School and then entered into the United States Army. He met and married his wife of 51 years, Joanna (Sizemore) Sawyer. After marriage, he then began working at Newton Falls Paper Mill in Star Lake, NY. Together they have raised four children; Rhonda (John) Leslie of Tampa, FL, Rhoda Leigh Bowlin of Jensen Beach, FL, Rodney (Tabitha) Sawyer II of Windsor, SC and Johanna (Rueben Phillips) Panko of Aiken, SC. He has fifteen grandchildren, Phillip and Victoria Leslie, Ashlea Bowlin, Richard and Jacob Dibble, Jennah and Emmah Sawyer, Michelle and Gabriella Pettry, Alexis (Blake Richardson Sr.), James and Jason Emrich, Dominic Winum, Tucker and Abigail Phillips and one great grandson, Blake Richardson Jr. He is also survived by his mother, Mary Sawyer of Russell, NY; a sister, Judy (Charles) Tupper of Russell, NY and two brothers, Jerome “Buzz” (Susan) Sawyer of Hermon, NY and Richard (Donna) Sawyer Jr. of Gouverneur, NY./ppRodney is predeceased by his father, Richard Frances Sawyer Sr. and infant son that are both buried in the South Russell Cemetery./ppRodney loved the outdoors and enjoyed working with his hands. His talent to fix or build anything blessed many people. He dealt with people in a just and fair manner and “he owed no man”. /ppIn lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you plant a tree in his honor./p
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