He was born June 25, 1952, and was the son of Calvin and Pauline Tolley of Kerrs Creek. After high school, he served in the United States Navy from 1971 to 1975 then worked as a diesel mechanic until his retirement in 2018.

Rod was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping, farming, gardening and spending time with his family. There was nothing Rod could not fix or build from spare parts.

He was preceded in death by his beloved dog, Gator. He is survived by his three children, Courtney (Jason), Ashley (Rohit) and Zac (Heather); six grandchildren, Daniel, Michael, Aiden, Evan, Aviva and Julia Kate; twin sister Phyllis (Chuck) Sensabaugh; brothers Milton (Karen) Tolley, Randall (Debby) Tolley; and longtime girlfriend Lydia Gourlay of Virginia Beach.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to Blue Ridge Cancer Care and to cousins Donna and Lisa for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

A memorial service took place Saturday, Aug. 3, at Kerrs Creek Baptist Church with reception immediately following. Arrangements were made by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory.

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