Service
Committal
The family of Rodney P. Burton, 58, is deeply saddened to announce his passing on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in Connelly Springs, NC.
Rodney was born on November 19, 1967, in Niagara Falls, New York. He graduated from Trott Vocational High School in 1985. He then enlisted and proudly served his country for 3 years in the U.S. Army and became an E-4 Specialist. After his military service, he went on to obtain a degree at Niagara County Community College to further his education.
Rodney eventually relocated to North Carolina and dedicated over 20 years to the NC Department of Corrections. He began his career as a correctional officer, where he demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership, which led to his promotion to Sergeant. In this role, Rodney took on greater responsibilities, overseeing operations and mentoring fellow officers, a testament to his professional growth and dedication to his field.
Rodney was well respected at his job and within his community. He earned numerous awards and was even awarded the keys to the city. He was also known for his kindness and his love for his family. He often traveled back to his hometown, prioritizing his time to visit as many relatives as possible during those trips home.
Rodney is survived by his mother, Patricia Burton; brother, Kevin Burton; sister Goldie Burton; grandmother, Gladys “Sister” Riley; along with many loving nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 12 to 1 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Sossoman Funeral Home. Honors will be provided by the NC Department of Corrections Honor Guard.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Rodney P. Burton.
I take solace in knowing that with big smiles and many hugs, Mother and Mama Goldie were there to meet you and welcome you into the gates of heaven. Now you REST
God speed Sarge! The world lost a hard working, kind soul and you will be missed.
Uncle Rodney you were a man of love and integrity and although we did not get to see you as often as we would have liked, your love for us was never doubted. Thank you for always keeping in touch over the years. We will forever cherish your presence in our lives. We will miss your kind heart and soft spoken nature. May God bless you, and keep you, until we see you again🙏 All of our love, Kirstyn and Nathanyl
Mr Rodney ,man one of the most sincere and genuine people that I have met. It was a blessing and a pleasure to have been able to spend the time with him that I was permitted. My deepest condolences to all of his loved ones and other friends. Just a quick memory but mr rodney was a devoted planner lol. We spent the last 2to 3 months working on plans he had for his home to be ready for him to do all he needed once he had his knee replacement surgery. All the way up to Thursday the 19th we was out for 4hours searching for a chair to sit at his new computer desk lol sorry for rambling Mr Rodney was just so precise and committed when it came to executing them plans man . Boy I'm gonna miss you sir , thankyou for being exactly you coolest cat ever fr rest up sir 🙏
I'm so sorry to hear of Sgt. Burton passing. I worked with him for years. He was always there when I needed him. He will be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
We were tearfully touched by this very unfortunate news. I went to High School with Rodney, played football together and many in his family I also call family and good friends. I last saw and spent some time with him a few short years ago at a mutual relative's house on one of our visits back home. He was the same kind, level headed gentleman I always knew him to be. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and coworkers who knew him well. This was a great loss for us all, because the world could use all the Rodney's we can get. May God keep us all...... Otis
RIP Sergeant. We got it from here!
Worked along side this amazing man, he was one strong guy, will be missed by many....rip my friend....