Rodney B. Sawyer

Rodney B. Sawyer, of Morehead City, NC, beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2024, at the age of 86. 

Rodney was born in Hugo, NC on August 11, 1938, to the late Harold Bernard and Grace Abbott Sawyer and lived a life full of love, laughter, and cherished moments. He grew up in Jacksonville, NC and was an outstanding athlete at Jacksonville High School and a student athlete in baseball and football at Chowan Junior College and North Carolina State University. He stayed in Raleigh to start a family with his wife, Delores, who preceded him in death. They were married for 63 years and enjoyed life to the fullest, whether vacations around the world with friends and family or winters at the boat in Key Largo, FL. He loved to fish and was a founding member of the Sawyer Fishing Team competing at various local and national competitions. He retired from Foremost Insurance Company as a senior Vice President and later purchased Sentry Insurance Agency which he operated until his death. He was an inspiration to the many men and women who worked for and with him through the years. 

Rodney's favorite moments were those spent by the water, fishing with his loved ones, sharing stories, and enjoying the tranquility of nature. His passion for fishing was more than a hobby—it was a way for him to connect with his family and teach patience, humility, and the beauty of a quiet morning on the Ocean.

Rod was a kind and considerate gentleman who would go out of his way to help others. He cherished every gathering, whether it was a small family barbecue or an evening around the dinner table and was happiest when surrounded by those he loved. Rod’s legacy will live on in the laughter of his family and the stories of his fishing trips and the memories with his loved ones. The depth of his love for his family spoke volumes.

He is survived by his three sons, Mike Sawyer (Johni), Robert Sawyer, and Jeff Sawyer (Kathy), brother Jim Sawyer, and sister Linda Sawyer who carry forward his love for family and his values of kindness, hard work, and compassion. 

He leaves behind not only his sons but also his grandchildren, Kaitlin, Anais, Christopher, Michael, and Paige who adored their grandfather and will forever remember his gentle smile and warm hugs. 

Rod’s legacy will live on in the laughter of his family, in the memories of fishing trips and in the values, he instilled in those who knew and loved him.

Rodney will be dearly missed but never forgotten. May he rest peacefully, casting his line into calm waters, with the sun forever warming his back. 

A celebration of Rodney’s life will be held at Munden Funeral Home 2112 Arendell Street in Morehead City, NC on Friday, October 11, 2024. A viewing will be held from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. and burial immediately afterwards at Gethsemane Memorial Park in Newport. The family will host family and friends at the family home after the service is completed. 

For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.