North Florida Congresswoman Gwen Graham mourned Tallahassee teacher Rod Durham Tuesday on the floor of the House of Representatives. The beloved drama and English teacher died over the weekend at the age of 52.
“He graduated Leon High School in 1982 with my sister Cissy, and then returned to teach there in 1997. However Rod was far, far more than a teacher. He was a role model. His students knew they could trust to confide in him or look to him for inspiration in difficult times. His personality was larger than life. He embodied joy and happiness,” she said.
Reality TV broadcast Durham’s booming laugh and big heart beyond North Florida when he participated on the show Extreme Weight Loss, dropping some 180 pounds. Students remember Durham as a trusted mentor, and colleagues remember him as a friend. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 am on Monday March 21st, at Leon High School.
