Rodney was the son of Alma and Ralph Brandes Sr. of Milan, Indiana. Rodney graduated from Milan High School Class of 1953 and attended Indiana University.Rodney loved people, traveling with friends, golfing, fishing, and hunting. He was particularly fond of his hunting dogs, which he called and encouraged with a hearty “tally ho.” He was often the life of the party, appearing regularly as an officially dressed Santa Claus at the Hillcrest Country Club. Rodney was a magician on the golf course, winning the club championship 1971 and numerous team golf tournaments Rodney was inducted into the Ripley County Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010. He was also a dedicated member of the local Masonic Lodge.