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Roderick Glenn Caples, affectionately known as Rod Glenn, Cape, Rod, Pops, Papa, and Roger, passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. He was born on March 22, 1962, in Laurel, MS, to Vertye Watts and James Brown, and was raised in Gulfport, MS by his mom and dad, Malcolm Caples.

Roderick was a proud graduate of Gulfport High School, Class of 1980, where he excelled in football, track and basketball. In track, he recorded a time of 9.5 seconds in the 100-yard dash, and his mile relay team held a record that lasted for 15 years. On the football field, he was a member of the 1977 State Championship team. His athletic accomplishments earned him a football scholarship to Jackson State University and an induction into the Gulfport High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. He played for the Tigers from 1980 to 1984, where he was a two-year starter at defensive back.

Roderick earned a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Jackson State in 1984. He furthered his education with a Master of Counseling from Amberton University in 2016; alongside numerous certifications, including Anger Resolution and TX Counseling on Family Violence.
Professionally, Roderick dedicated his life to service. He worked at Job Corp Gulfport MS, Dallas Police Department, Collin County Adult Probation, Job Corp McKinney TX, Transicare, and Dallas County Health and Human Services - Communicable Diseases.

For the last 20 years, Roderick worked with the City of Dallas, helping the homeless secure housing assistance and social security benefits. Additionally, he owned (CAPES) Creating Alternative Pathway Education Services, where he was a state-certified provider of the Batterers Intervention & Prevention Program (BIPP) and an Anger Management Program. His work impacted countless lives, especially through his efforts to promote non-violence and personal accountability.

Roderick was baptized at an early age at St. John Baptist Church, Gulfport, MS. He was deeply involved in his community and church until his death. A member of Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church in Richardson, TX, since 1985, he served in various ministries, including the Male Chorus, Sunday School teacher, Ministry of Hope leader, Audio-Visual ministry team member, Youth Department volunteer, and Safety and Security team member. He was also a life member of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association (JSUNAA) and a member of the local Dallas-Fort Worth JSUNAA. Many considered him as a surrogate father, always ready to help guide the youth in his community. He also coached Little League football and basketball for some years and opened his home for many kids to stay with his family in their time of need.
A man of many interests, Roderick loved helping others, spending time with family and friends, riding his motorcycle, watching sports, especially cheering for his beloved JSU Tigers and Las Vegas Raiders. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, wisdom, kindness, and deep love for his family.

Roderick was preceded in death by his parents, Vertye and Malcolm Caples; his father, James Brown; his son, Roderick Harrien; and his brother, Michael Easterling.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Phyllis Monique Caples; his children, Santana Dickens, Triheria Cole, Philliph Caples, and Monique Raquel Caples; his bonus mother, Ella Brown; his in-laws, Rev. Carl Z. Jones and Marjorie Jones; his siblings, Cleophus Brown, Cecilia Brown, Cassandra Payton, Charmain Atmore, Nina (Christopher) Ladner, Alice Warren, Anita Harris, and bonus brother, Kevin Mason; in-law siblings, Carl Anthony (Carla) Jones, Secola Edwards, Marcia Jones, Idreaka McEwen, Marcus Jones and Kerry (Nikkia) Jones; God-siblings, Craig (Tameka) Watts and Kenya Thomas; best friends, Michael Carter, Kelvin Jefferson, and Clarzell Gillelyen; 11 cherished grandchildren; and a host of aunts, cousins, relatives, and friends who will forever hold his memory in their hearts.