By Holly Yan
The Dallas Morning News
Copyright 2007 The Dallas Morning News
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News
DALLAS — Rodney Burris died trying to help others who were just like him.
For years, Mr. Burris was addicted to crack cocaine and tried to find his way back to normalcy.
“He came in ... [July 1] and told the pastor he wanted to get off the street,” said Jeff Wylie, a friend and fellow member of the Dallas International Street Church.
Mr. Burris, 47, stayed at the church overnight Friday to guard food donated for the needy. But the church’s new location didn’t have electricity yet, so a rented generator kept the food cold.
Authorities said Mr. Burris died of carbon monoxide poisoning from the generator, which had been placed inside the building. Two other church members were hospitalized but had been released by Monday evening.
Friends and members of the church said despite his meager means, Mr. Burris left an inspirational legacy for those in South Dallas.
“Anytime we needed something done, Rodney was there to do it,” Mr. Wylie said.
Mr. Burris loved to volunteer in the church’s kitchen and was known for “turning nothing into something.” He also didn’t hesitate to help the church move and guard its new location.
“It’s a big drug- and crime-infested area, and they see us going in with a lot of stuff,” Mr. Wylie said. “You’ve got to be vigilant.”
Employees near the church in the 2700 block of Second Avenue said the church moved into the small, signless building in the past few weeks.
The pastor of Dallas International Street Church, Karen Estes Dudley, said Mr. Burris was loved by the ministry.
“I never saw him angry. He always had a smile on his face,” Ms. Dudley said. “He was very committed to getting over his drug addiction. ... He had a huge battle.”
The nondenominational church ministers to the homeless and people suffering from substance abuse and mental illness. The church says it serves hot meals after every service.
Mr. Wylie said he helped set up the generator inside the building near a vented door and was devastated to find his friend unconscious the next day. He said he’s trying not to feel guilty about the mistake and wants to continue his friend’s mission of helping others.
Dallas Fire-Rescue spokesman Paul Lara said he hopes others will learn from the tragedy and use generators with caution.
“No one should ever put a generator or gas-powered motor inside a building that is being used for any reason,” he said.
Mr. Wylie said he hopes people will also learn from Mr. Burris’ life.
“If you want to do anything for Rodney, serve with a smile because that’s what he did.”