This is a tribute to my dad—a man whose life, faith, and love for Jesus shaped everything I know about God.
A Tribute to My Dad’s Life and Faith
My father died from an eight-year battle with Parkinson’s at 11:30 a.m. on April 21, 2026. Interesting, about the time of his death, the dark clouds loomed in the sky, wind began rattling the trees, leaves scattered across the ground, and rain began to fall. The weather was indicative of the deep hole that I felt within my heart and soul.
Our family had lost something really valuable; a devoted husband, father, grandfather, a pastor, and a spiritual giant for Jesus Christ. In reality, however, as I reflect on this tribute, I realize my dad’s death was not as gloomy as we felt in the moment of our despair.
For immediately after his last breath, my father awoke in heaven, seeing the face of God. My dad was immediately healed. There would be no more suffering, only joy. His departure from our family would be temporary, for one day, all of us would join him in a heavenly reunion.
I learned of God’s love, at an early age, from my family. My Dad was a Baptist minister. Often, I was introduced to others as “the preacher’s kid,” or the “PK” or simply, “Bro. Rodney’s daughter.” I was very proud to be known by these names. For I belonged to Rodney Williams. I am still proud of that today.
The Example He Set
Why am I proud to be known as a preacher’s kid? Because my father was a man who truly lived what he preached. As I reflect upon my father’s life, I clearly see his life matched God’s Word, and he was never ashamed of the gospel of Christ. As long as I can remember, every morning you could find him at the kitchen table—coffee in one hand, Bible in the other. He started his day with Jesus, and he walked with Him all day long.
If you got into his truck, you had to move things around…because the seat was covered in cassette tapes of sermons. And there was always a small red Bible nearby—well-worn and marked up. In spare moments, he would read his Bible. He would always put this in his pocket when visiting others. As my dad walked or drove, you could see his mouth moving and with the expressions on his face, you knew he was talking with Jesus, praying constantly. Dad was an example of servanthood found in John 3:30, “He must increase, I must decrease,” as my dad did many behind-the-scene things, in the name of Jesus, to help others.
What He Taught Me
Dad used to take me with him to work—long before that was a popular thing to do. Truthfully, I didn’t want a babysitter… I just wanted to be with my dad. Now, my dad wasn’t just a preacher…He was also a cowboy. During the CB radio days, he had a handle and was known by the name of The Cowboy Prophet.
When it was time to go visiting, he didn’t get in a car—he got on a horse. And I climbed onto Dick, my Shetland pony, and off we’d go, riding to visit the farmers and ranchers in their fields. Sometimes I stayed busy—eating strawberries from Mr. Lummus’ field, picking out my favorite watermelon, or fishing in someone’s pond. But other times, as I sat on my horse, I just listened.
When we rode away, I became what Dad called a “question box.”
“Dad… they say they love Jesus—so why don’t they go to church?”
“Dad… why doesn’t that man love God, when God loves him?”
“Dad… what’s wrong with that baby? Will God heal her?”
Being with my dad, I saw his ministry up close. He didn’t just preach it, he lived it. And because of what he taught me, I came to understand something even greater—That I could belong to my Heavenly Father. I realized that Jesus died on the cross for my sins, that forgiveness is a gift, and when I accepted that gift, I received another identity. I was not only the “preacher’s kid,” I was a “child of the King.”
Where He Is Now
My dad lived his life boldly and unashamedly, proclaiming that Jesus is Lord.
As I reflected on my father’s ministry, I know he often preached about heaven, hell and the need to be ready. If you do not know Jesus, I pray you will meet him and become a child of the King, because Jesus is the only way to heaven.
I know my dad is there now. His body is healed. And one day, I will see my dad again. The gloomy day of April 21st, in reality was a day of rejoicing. To borrow words from Billy Graham and Dwight L. Moody, my dad can say, “Someday you will read or hear that Rodney Williams is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address.”
I hope to see you in heaven. If you are a Christian, live it out, just like my dad did…Unashamed.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
—Romans 1:16
Everywhere I go, I enjoy camping with Jesus — on the road and in life.
Enjoy your journey, and feel free to reach out.
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