Rodney L. Hanna was born in Philadelphia, to Robert & Maxcine Hanna. Rodney was the second eldest son to four other Hanna siblings; Randy, Derrick, Christopher and Roslyn. Rodney attended school during the early years of his life in the Philadelphia School District, graduating from the John Bartram High School. There he participated on the football team. He later continued his formal education at the Institute of Business and Technology, Computer Learning Center and then at the Community College of Philadelphia. He proudly pursued a profession that encompassed servicing and caring for others. Rodney was gainfully employed with the Greyhound Railing Services and then later with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. There he was loved by everyone and given the nickname, "six pack."

Although Rodney worked for as long as his health would allow with SEPTA, he never stopped pursuing ways in which he could serve others. He endeavored to preach the gospel and although he never reached official ordination, Rodney served as a Trustee in the Lord's church and his zenith was teaching the Sunday-school classes. Rodney's pulpit for sharing his wisdom about God and current events was often found wherever there was anyone who would listen.

Rodney grew up as a young child in the Ebenezer Church of God in Christ in Philadelphia, under the pastorate of the late, Bishop Robert A. Bady and then under his successor, Pastor James Hunt. In 1981, Rodney continued his growth and tutelage under his father, Elder Robert Hanna at the Open Heart Church of Philadelphia, where both, Pastor and Mother Maxcine Hanna opened their first church. However, it was at Ebenezer where Rodney would first participate with singing in the choir. He would be heard there singing his first solo selection, "If I perish, let me perish, I'm going to see the King."

Throughout his youth, Rodney had a knack for drawing people closer with his humor. He loved playing sports and hanging out with his childhood friends, Verdell (Vert), Melvin (Mel), Greg, Carmita (Cammy), Daryl, Darrell (Lex) and the Coleman family (Vanessa, Jesse, Yolanda and Yvette). These friendships spanned forty years and continued throughout Rodney's adulthood.

On June 12, 1992, Rodney was married to his best friend and love of 22 years; Crystal Lynn Burrell. The two met and fell in love at the Open Heart Church of Philadelphia and shortly thereafter became espoused. Together they parented three children; Anthony, Jasmine and Isaac. Rodney passionately loved and cherished his family. He is remembered for his legendary grilling skills. Rodney adopted this passion and his business savvy from his maternal grandfather, whom he emulated and cherished, the late Herbert McClary and whom Rodney affectionately named "Grin-dad". Rodney loved making time for his family. The ideal gathering would be to sit around and reminisce about childhood times with his siblings or create fun times with his wife and children.

In 2011, Rodney rejoined fellowship with his parents in the Open Heart Church of Kingstree. Once again, he was able to find fulfillment in ministry, leadership and spiritual renewal. Rodney bragged about how he "loved" hearing his father preach and experiencing his mother's "power with God." He remained there faithfully until the sudden decline of his health. Rodney loved to laugh and his larger-than-life personality lit up any room he would enter. He was loved by many people and will be remembered for his intelligence, his candor, yet gentle and humorous demeanor.

He leaves to cherish his memory, both parents; Bishop Robert and Mother Maxcine Hanna, his loving wife; Crystal Lynn Hanna, his children; Anthony Burrell, Jasmine and Isaac Hanna, four siblings; Randy Hanna (wife Angela), Bishop Derrick McNeil Hanna (wife Elder Lillian), Elder Christopher Robert Hanna, Evangelist Roslyn Denice Hanna-Lockridge (husband Tristen), a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, his many, many friends.