Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory - Oxon Hill

<p style="text-align:center;">Celebrating the Life of Rodney Craig Cameron</p>
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Rodney Craig Cameron was born on May 1, 1946 in Auburn, NY to the late Jay Cameron, Sr. and Lillian Jones Cameron. Rodney was the oldest of four boys and was known to family and close friends as “Roddy” or Rod.  He joined his eternal family on November 27, 2020 in Washington, DC. 

After graduating high school in 1964, Rodney was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Upon completion of basic training, he was assigned to serve in Germany. While in Germany, he developed his skills for procurement and property management that would later lead as a career path.  After an honorable discharge from the Army, Rodney returned to the Auburn area where he began his career working in procurement.  Years later, Rodney relocated to the Washington, DC area where he worked for a brief period of time as a property manager while pursuing his Business Degree in Procurement and Contracting from the University of the District of Columbia. Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree in 1979, Rodney began what would become a life-long career in procurement and government contracting with the DC public school system and several federal agencies for more than 30 years including a stint in Kuwait as a Contract Administrator for the Army. In 2013, Rodney officially retired as a DAWIA Level III Certified Warrant Contracting Officer from the Federal Government. Two years later he would find himself working for a government contractor as a Senior Acquisition Analyst up until his passing. 

Rodney cared about family. His wife, Marie, of 45 years remained his best friend throughout the marriage. They spoke anywhere from 3-5 times a day including into the wee hours of the morning and sometimes they spoke about nothing but they always knew they could call each other regardless.  Even though his daughters, Nadine and Nilda were a mainstay in his life, they were kicked to the curb once his granddaughter, Nina was born.  One of his greatest joys was his relationship with Nina whom he talked to several times a week and wanted nothing more than to teach her the game of chess. Even though there were miles between them, Rodney remained big brother to his siblings, Jay and Chuck.  He always expressed interest in his nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews no matter where they lived.  

Some of Rodney’s favorite pastimes included playing the game of chess, collecting pocket knives, martial arts (he achieved a brown belt and really loved Karate movies), mastering how to play black jack, was fond of dogs and an avid reader. Over the years Rodney enjoyed a good cold beer, his favorite pipe tobacco and a good Friday Happy Hour at one of the local hot spots. Rodney had a permanent seat at the counter at his favorite local eatery, Steak In a Sack in Fort Washington, MD where everyone knew him as “Rod”.  Rodney fought a long and difficult battle with pulmonary hypertension due to diabetes and had hoped to one day receive a kidney transplant.  

Rodney is survived by his loving wife Marie Cameron, daughters Nadine Cid (Vincent Phillips), Nilda Gumbs, granddaughter Nina Gumbs, brothers Jay Cameron (Christine), Charles “Chuck” Cameron, Boyd Cameron (deceased) and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, family and friends. 

 The family asks that donations be made to St. Jude using the link <a href="https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/GiftFunds/GiftFunds?px=6876683&pg=personal&fr_id=39300">HERE</a>. 

The family would love to see everyone but we must observe the COVID-19 guidelines for the state of Maryland and the Kalas Funeral Home. Therefore, we asks if you plan to attend the public viewing, please know that masks will be required to enter the building and we will be exercising social distancing. We appreciate your cooperation and support. 






Rodney Craig Cameron

Rodney Craig Cameron

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