Rodney Eric Shivers, D.D.S.

Dr. Rodney Eric Shivers

Dr. Rodney Eric Shivers was the oldest of two children of William and Barbara Shivers.  He was born in Prince George’s County, Maryland at Joint Base Andrews. He and his family lived all over the world, including Washington, D.C., Incirlik Adana, Turkey and Niagara Falls, New York. His family settled in the Tinker Air Force Base community in 1978.  

Rodney graduated from Carl Albert High School in 1980 and attended the University of Oklahoma on a naval ROTC scholarship.  In 1985, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in California.  During his naval service, he earned an overseas service ribbon.  

At the completion of his naval service in 1988, he returned to Oklahoma and finished what he started at the University of Oklahoma.   He graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology.  Wanting to be his own boss, he chose the field of dentistry because he wanted to be of service to others.  He wanted the flexibility of treating his patients as well as caring for his family.  He earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry in 1994.  

In 1998, after four years as an associate dentist in Norman, he purchased his own practice in Oklahoma City.  On November 14, 1998, he married Lathonya Thierry and they started their family.  In 2000, they welcomed their son Nicholas and in 2004, they welcomed their son, Vincent.   

Being a father to Nicholas and Vincent was his greatest joy.   He coached both of his children in multiple sports, including soccer, basketball and baseball.  When they reached high school, he coached them from the stands. He also taught them some of his favorite hobbies like fishing and golf.   He was proud to introduce them to Sooner football and they remain avid OU football fans.  Never too old to learn new hobbies, Rodney was a backyard gardener and burgeoning pitmaster.  

Rodney also loved volunteering in the community.  He was an active volunteer with Capital Area Special Olympics, D-DENT, St. Eugene Catholic Church and Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School.  It is hard to find words to describe his laugh, his intelligence and his sense of humor. 

Rodney is survived by his wife of 25 years, Lathonya; his sons Nicholas and Vincent; his mother Barbara and sister Inga.  He is preceded in death by his father, William J. Shivers, Jr.   

The viewing will be at Smith and Kernke Funeral Home on Friday, June 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  A rosary will be Friday, June 7 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Eugene Catholic Church.   

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, June 8 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Eugene Catholic Church.  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to D-DENT.