Dr. Rodney Melvin Van Dyke, age 73, of Hoover went to be with His Lord on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at UAB Medical West in Bessemer.

Dr. Van Dyke was a native of Jefferson County where he lived until he left to attend Seminary. He was a graduate of Howard College, now Samford, in 1965, the last graduating class of Howard College. He attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he graduated in 1967. He served as minster of Education and Administration with churches in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. He received his doctorate in Education Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2004 and served as chaplain at UAB Medical West and retired as Executive Director of the
Samitan Counseling Centers of greater Birmingham. He was a member of Shades Crest Baptist Church in Birmingham. Dr. Van Dyke was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Glenice Van Dyke and a brother, Joel Wilson Van Dyke.

He is survived by his wife, Mamie Van Dyke; a daughter, Elizabeth Van Dyke Hurley; three step children, Malinda Merkel (Vic), Christy Collins, and Robert Collins (Treasure); five grandchildren, Addison Hurley, Brandon Collins, Madison Merkel, Matthew Merkel, and Jackson Collins; a sister, Rhonda Van Dyke Keller (Ed); and a sister-in-law, Annie Van Dyke.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, May 22, 2017 at Shades Crest Baptist Church at 4:00 P.M. The family will receive friends from 3:00 P.M. until time of service at the church. A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at Valhalla Cemetery in Midfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Dr. Van Dyke''s memory to Shades Crest Baptist Church Building Fund, 452 Park Avenue, Birmingham, AL. 35226 Phone (205) 822-1360.