Former Rock Hill City Councilman passes away; service held today

Precious “Osbey” Roddey, who served almost a quarter century on Rock Hill City Council and was a legendary civic and spiritual leader in the African American community in York County, passed away on December 23rd at the age of 87. Roddey was first elected to the Rock Hill City Council Ward 5 in a tight race in 1989. He was reelected without serious opposition several times until deciding to leave the seat in 2013 at age 77. Roddey was instrumental in securing city services for many areas of the city. He pushed to revitalize closed textile mills to serve all city residents. Roddey was a force behind the push to turn the former Celanese textile plant property on North Cherry Road into a commercial and residential hub. He also pushed for renovation of the former Arcade mill site near downtown Rock Hill and for new uses at the city’s “Textile Corridor” near downtown. A celebration of life service for Roddey is Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Langrum Branch Baptist Church in York.