It is with profound sorrow that the Management and Support Staff of Nelson's Funeral Home announce the death of Deacon Ronald Lee Rhodes, 70, of Ridgeway, South Carolina.

Deacon Rhodes transitioned into eternity Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at his residence. 

Funeral services for Deacon Rhodes will be Saturday, January 20,2018, 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 4991 Park Road, Ridgeway, SC 29130.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.   Public viewing will be Friday, January 18, 2018, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m at the funeral home.

Mr. Ronald Rhodes, Sr.  was born on October 7, 1947 in Durham, North Carolina to the late Mrs. Mary Carr Rhodes and Herbert Rhodes, Sr.  He departed this life on January 16, 2018 at his residence in Ridgeway, SC surrounded by his loving family. 

Mr.  Ronald Rhodes was educated in the Durham County Public Schools, in Durham, NC.  Prior to his employment at Fairfield County Transit System, he was self-employed, owning and operating Rhodes Trucking Company.

Mr. Rhodes served as a faithful Deacon and the President of the Men’s Choir at Mt Olive Baptist Church.  He loved to sing and was the lead singer on the Male Choir.  He was the type of person who loved to be on time for church and he was a very faithful servant of the Lord.  Mr. Rhodes loved the Mt Olive Baptist Church Family and the Community. 

Mr. Rhodes was also a volunteer Fireman for 20 plus years at station #5 with the Southeast Fire Department. Ronald was a straight-forward person that would say what was on his mind. During the holiday seasons, Ronald loved to cook and he had a strong passion for the Washington Redskins.  

Ronald loved his wife and children very much.  He leaves to cherish fond memories his loving wife of 50 years, Mrs. Nora Bell Rhodes, whom he called “Honey”; seven children, Ronald (Angela) Rhodes Jr., Blythewood, SC, Otis L. (Martha) Rhodes, Elgin, SC, Derrick Rhodes, Ridgeway, SC, Angela Marie Gibson, Elgin, SC, Dwayne (Shayla) Rhodes, Ridgeway, SC, Sharon Rhodes-Parker (Barry), Durham NC, Mia Hicks, Durham, NC.  Twenty-five grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren; one sister, Inez (Curtis) Parrish of Durham, NC; five brothers, William T. (Shirley) Rhodes, Roland Rhodes, Carnell Rhodes, Coleman Rhodes, Jimmy Owen Rhodes all of Durham, NC; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Geneva Bell, whom he drove to Sunday School every Sunday; five brothers-in law and nine sisters-in-law; nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends who will all miss him dearly.

In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by ten siblings.

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