With faith in God’s promise of eternal life, on May 2, 2026, God dispatched an angel to one of His chosen vessels to let him know that his assignments here on earth had been completed. The angels order was for Rodney Harris Gales, to take flight to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Rodney entered this life’s journey on October 8, 1964, in Harlem, New York, to Arthur L. Gales, Sr. and Faustina J. Gales. He received his education in the New York City school system, and later as a teenager, he relocated to Florida with his parents. As a young boy, Rodney was always happy, a bright light. He loved being around family, listening to music and loved to dance. A childhood medical event, presented health challenges for him, that would never afford him the opportunity to live on his own. In 1998, Rodney sustained a traumatic brain injury as a passenger in a car accident that took the life of our mother, but God saw fit to spare Rodney’s life, once again. Although he spent the better portion of his adult life in an Assisted Living facility to receive care, he maintained his happiness. Being there afforded him the opportunity to have his own living space, which gave him a sense of independence and fulfillment. While there, Rodney became a beloved presence to the residents and the staff alike. 

He enjoyed the bingo sessions, or a stroll through the halls, greeting everyone that he came in contact with. He found happiness in simple pleasures, especially his love for sports and snacks. He was also very aware of his attire, and would often color coordinate his outfit for the day. He was a big fan of the New York Knicks and the New York Yankees, and took great pleasure in watching their games. He loved to talk and would often speak randomly about heaven and who was there, particularly his mother and father. Rodney was known for his friendliness and kind heart. Despite his differing abilities, he was blessed with an extraordinary gift—he could remember the names of everyone at the facility, often recalling both first and last names with ease. This remarkable ability, along with his warm spirit, made others feel seen, valued, and remembered, a testament to resilience, faith, and the power to connect with people. His life reflected God’s grace in both the challenges he faced and the joy he shared with others. 

Rodney is preceded in death by his father, Arthur L. Gales, Sr., and mother, Faustina J. Gales. 

Rodney is survived by his brothers, Arthur L. Gales, and Leslie L. Gales, Sr. (Rose); sisters, Valzina J. Gales, Elizabeth Hart (Philip), Helena Hasan, Pamela Gales Butler (Dennis) and Robin Gales; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

We celebrate his life, and were blessed to have our miracle brother “Bub”, a living testimony, for 61 beautiful years. We take comfort in the words of scripture: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7). We rejoice in knowing that he is now at peace in the presence of the Lord. “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25:23). Rest easy, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew and friend.