Our sweet and loving father, Earl Franklin Rhodes, age 71 of Salem and formerly of Buena Vista went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on December 21, 2006 at his residence.
Dad courageously fought constantly the battle against renal disease and lymphoma. A place in our hearts and others was so wonderfully filled by Dad's presence, his strength and warriors heart that kept us strong in times of trial. Dad's unique sense of humor and straight forward character often caught us and others by surprise.
Dad faithfully and proudly served his country by serving in the U. S. Navy from 1951-1956 and in the United States Marine Corps from 1958 Ð 1962, where he was honorably discharged at the rank of Lance Corporal. His commendations include National Defense, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, Occupational Service, Navy and Marine Corp Good Conduct Medals, Rifle Sharp Shooter and Rifle Expert.
He was the son of the late Albert Leonard and Elizabeth Gilliam Rhodes. He was a truck driver for 42 years and retired from Hatcher Trucking of Roanoke. He is a member of the Blue Ridge Baptist Church in Buena Vista and faithfully attended Christian Life International in Salem.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Arlene "Genevieve" Mays Rhodes; son, Joseph "Ronnie" Rhodes; brothers Calvin Rhodes and Roy Rhodes; sister, Fay Moore.
He is survived by his son, Michael Earl Rhodes of Buena Vista; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Robert Taylor of Salem; grandsons, Christian and Gabriel Taylor; brother, Willis "Pete" Rhodes and wife Betty of Buena Vista; a sister, Osie Watkins of Natural Bridge; sister-in-law, Joyce Rhodes of Maryland and brother-in-law, Sam Moore of Buena Vista.
The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, December 23, 2006 at the Blue Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Art Brumit officiating along with Pastor David Tuell and Associate Pastor Debbie Hutton. Burial will follow in the Green Hill Cemetery.
We are indebted to the physicians and nurses at the VA Medical Center, especially the staff and nurses in the dialysis center who individually and whole heartedly supported dad with phone calls, well wishes and prayers to the very end. Well wishes and blessings to all of Dad's buddies and fellow dialysis patients that he has known for so long and spoke so fondly of. Special thanks to Sgt. Major Al Hockaday, U. S. Marine Corps retired and staff Sergeant Eric Flickinger, U. S. Marine Corps for their faithfulness to a dying Marine's final wishes - our Dad. Sempi Fi.
Arrangements are being handled by the Lomax Funeral Home, Buena Vista (540-261-6585).
