Rodney E. “Rocky” Cash, Sr. of Columbus, OH, with his loving wife, Bobbie by his side, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 10, 2018.  Affectionately and notably known as Rocky, he was born on April 10, 1953 to the late David “Wimpy” Cash and Joyce Clark. Rocky was an avid sports fan.  He particularly loved the Cleveland Browns and Cavaliers.  He was a dedicated pillar in the Akron Community and was a proud graduate of East High School.   After graduation, he enlisted and served three years in the United States Navy.  Upon leaving, he began to sharpen his skill (which began in early adolescence), as a boxer.   He credits love for boxing to his father, Jimmy Rice, Peter Perico and boxing coach and mentor, Doyle Baird.  His pro boxing record was (6-1-1…. Three KO’s); three-time golden gloves champion.  One of his fondest memories is the time when he sparred with Michael Dokes and even though he was out-weighed, that did not stop Rocky from sending Dokes to the canvas, courtesy of Rocky’s left hook.   After his boxing career ended in 1991, he opened his own boxing gym, Rock Hard Cash Boxing and Athletic Club.  He was instrumental for jumpstarting the careers of various local boxing champions. He prided himself in his desire to help train at-risk youth.  His impact on the local boxing community will resonate forever.

His service to the Akron community extended beyond the reach of his boxing “gloves”.  For 27 years, Rocky proudly served as an Akron Fire Fighter and rose in the ranks to become an Inspector and Chief Trainer.  He worked out of stations 2 (The Beast from the East), 4 and 8.  During his tenure, he received numerous awards and commendations.  For three years, Rocky served as the Commander of the American Legion and two years as the President of the United Black Firefighters.  He was a proud member of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  After his retirement, he continued his service to the community as a member of the Safety Team with Akron Public Schools (APS).  Rocky was very proud to be part of a team that helped to assist Akron youth.  Although his illness forced him into retirement, he never lost his luster for helping others.  Anyone who knew Rocky, knew that he was SELFLESS; he believed he was “put on earth to help others.”

Rocky was preceded in death by his grandparents, Treadwell and Marie Cash; brothers, David “Scrocket” and Robert “Ricky” Cash.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Bobbie Cash; daughters, Rubena “Bena” (Astor) McCall, Rochelle Cash, Brooke Sanders and Takia (Waymon) Garrett; sons, Rodney (Shermia) and Richard (Leandrea), Marcus Council and DeOntae Bethune; sisters, Victoria (Rodney) Shadie,  Andrea Anthony, Teresa, Sharice “Candy”, Monica and Felicia “PeeWee” Cash, DaNeen (Robert) Coats and Lashon Bowers; brothers, Julius “Bug” Williams, Fredrick “Me Me” and Victor (Shelia)