Rodney Cullen, a Wilson Memorial baseball coach and a physical education teacher at the high school, passed away on January 25, 2025.
His wife, son, close friends, and family survived him.
Highlights
- Rodney Cullen was a fierce competitor with pride in his community but was easygoing off the field.
- His family-oriented approach influenced his coaching style, and he stepped aside as head coach to watch his son play in college.
- He passed away on January 25, 2025, but his family members haven’t disclosed his death cause.
Rodney Cullen was one of the hardest-working coaches and had changed the lives of several players and colleagues.
Before joining Wilson Memorial in August 2004, he was a head baseball coach at Fishburne Military School and assistant coach at Stuarts Draft and Riverheads.
Likewise, he served as an athletic director and basketball coach at Fishburne and was Wilson’s head boys basketball coach for nine seasons. Later, in 2015, he stepped down to focus on baseball.
Rodney led Wilson Memorial to 188 victories and the 2013 VHSL State Championship. Other coaches respected him for his investment and sacrifice to the game for the players.
His tragedy has deeply affected the community; many share their memories and tributes to honor his legacy. Moreover, his death left a void in the Wilson Memorial community.
Coach Cullen was a great man that cared for every kid that played for him. He was passionate, competitive, and hard-working. Rodney loved baseball and he loved to be out on the field. There is a giant void in Fishersville and at Wilson Memorial High School now.
The Wilson baseball
Rodney Cullen’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
Rodney Cullen was a tremendous resource and mentor who never hid his passion for baseball. He was a fierce competitor with pride in his community, players, and field.
He was one of the most competitive coaches but was easygoing off the field.
Rodney loved his family beyond everything and kept them as a priority.
Although he joined Wilson Memorial in 2004, he stepped aside as head coach for a few years to watch his son play in college and served as Derek McDaniel’s assistant.
They were co-coaches rather than heads and assistants.
It was kind of a team deal. It was easier with both of us working, doing the job together. It didn’t put so much weight on just one of us. We enjoyed working together. We were good friends.
Derek McDaniel
Rodney’s dedication to his family shows how much he valued them. As a coach, he wanted to support his son’s athletic career.
His family was very important to him, and this family-oriented approach influenced his coaching style. However, he hasn’t talked much about his life with the tabloids.
Furthermore, Rodney’s family member has yet to disclose his death cause and his memorial service.
His passion for the game and commitment to his players impacted everyone who knew him.
I was just at a loss of words when I was told. I was the very few that not only got to play four years under you but also coach right beside you. You definitely grew my passion and love for coaching the game of baseball.
Gage Wood
Additional Information
- Rodney Cullen graduated in health and physical education from Longwood University.
- He was a Wilson Memorial High School baseball coach for the past 16 seasons.
- Wilson Memorial’s athletic community lost Gary Kessler, girls’ cross country and track coach, in 2020 and Steve Geiman, boys’ cross country and track coach, in 2022.
