Rodney Allen Stover, 61, of Mill Spring, also known as “Slingblade” to many in Polk County, passed into the comfort of his heavenly home on April 9, 2018, at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City.

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in the Charleston, West Virginia, area. 

Rodney’s life was challenging from early on, but he was a survivor, turning his life over to his Lord Jesus Christ in September 1989. He was a kind and gentle soul, and though he might let himself get agitated then laugh about it, he would help anyone he came across who might need a hand. 

Laughter always came easy to him, and he was easy to laugh with.

He is survived by his mother, Wilma Robinson; and sister, Lou Ann Stover Atkins of Charleston, West Virginia; stepbrother, Ken Robinson of Hendersonville, North Carolina; his Tryon United Methodist Church family; and friends across Polk County. 

He was predeceased by his beloved Nina, the pit bull he once rescued from the middle of the road and nursed back to health. They were inseparable companions, each loving the other unconditionally until her passing just two months ago. 

His heart was broken, and he could not wait to be reunited with her. May they rejoice in the presence of each other.

Slingblade will truly be missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of life service is planned for 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 15, in the Tryon United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. A fellowship meal will follow.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Rodney may do so by contributing to the Tryon United Methodist Church Pastor’s Benevolence Fund (for those less fortunate), Landrum Veterinary Hospital or Lennie Rizzo’s pet rescue fund in care of the Foothills Humane Society.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Tryon