Rodney "Rusty" Lamont Allen, age 44, of Shelby, North Carolina, departed this life peacefully at his home on July 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 4, 1981, in Shelby, NC, to the late William and Vinnie Proctor Ross.

In addition to his parents, Rodney was preceded in death by his brother, Richard McDowell; paternal grandparents Kendall, Sr. and Mary Black Ross; and maternal grandparents Rob Hunt and Maybelle Allen Proctor.

Rodney was a much-loved brother, father, uncle, and friend. He leaves behind his fiancée, Angela Shelton, of Shelby; his daughters, La'Tavia Walker of Shelby, Rodijha Allen of Gastonia, and Zyla Allen of Shelby; his siblings, William Ross, Jr., and Jackie Allen of Shelby; Tyrone Allen, Sr., of Blacksburg, SC; Rev. Maurice Allen (Shavette) of Kings Mountain; Wanda Miller of Fayetteville, NC; Tonya (Quon) Moses of Shelby; and sister-in-law Regina Allen. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who cherish his memory.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Shiloh Baptist Church in Shelby, NC. Enloe Mortuary was in charge of the services.