Rodney Dunnavan

In memory of Rodney Clay Dunnavan (age 68) of Pecatonica, IL a loving father, brother, grandfather, and friend. He was born June 9, 1954, to Robert and Ruby Dunnavan of Winnebago, the fourth of six children.  Losing his battle with cancer, he peacefully passed away in his home on June 7, 2023, just 2 days before his birthday. Rod graduated from Winnebago High School in 1972 and went to work for Taylor Garbage Disposal with his best friends Ed and Terry Reed. They had many adventures and treasure hunts until he changed careers and went to Builders Plumbing Supply. After several years in the plumbing industry, he went to work at Dach Fence where he retired in 2000. He loved sports, football, baseball, and fishing. Rod was a force to be reckoned with as a high school football player and a huge Green Bay Packers fan much to the dismay of his son, an avid Chicago Bears fan. They enjoyed watching the games together and had many entertaining disagreements. Rod was a man of several nicknames. His dad called him “Bummer” as he never wanted to stay home. His nieces and nephew shortened this to “Uncle Bubby or Bub”. In high school he helped film the basketball games and was dubbed with his nickname “Howard” after Howard Cosell. The greatest loves in life were his son, Brandon and grandson, Tristen. Rod took great pleasure in attending all their sporting events and activities. He loved spending time with them and they would often go fishing and later shared many fish tales. Rod also enjoyed cards and he and Brandon played in a euchre league. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of working with his hands fixing small engines and vehicles with Brandon. When Rod wasn’t surrounded with family he could be found hanging with his friends and having a great time full of fun and laughter or tinkering on mechanical projects in the garage. And no one will forget his Elvis singing performances. He had a great voice and was a natural entertainer. Those who knew him would say he was strong minded, some may say stubborn, but with a heart of gold, sense of humor, laughter, and quick wit which started at a young age. He had a presence that would fill the room. Rod will be missed by his family and his many close friends he made throughout his life. Rod is survived by his beloved son Brandon (Nicole) of Orfordville, WI, sister Melody (Edward) Campbell of Winnebago, brother Robin (Sandy) Dunnavan, and sister Mitzi (Steve) Muntz of Rockford, grandson Tristen Dunnavan, grandchildren Chloe, Amaya, Jayce, great-granddaughter Scarlett, nieces Dawn, Tara, Amber, nephew Jarrod, and several great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Robert and Ruby, infant sister Gloria, and brother Randy. The best things in life are the people we love and the memories we’ve made along the way. We hope you can join us to share these special memories at a Celebration of Life to honor Rodney Clay Dunnavan to be held Saturday July 15, 2023 from 4 pm to 8 pm on the farm at 2281 S. Speilman Rd., Pecatonica, IL 61063. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL. www.statelinecremations.com