SALUDA, NC - John Earl Rhodes, 90, of Saluda, NC went home to be with his Lord on Sunday afternoon, May 6, 2012 in Mission Hospital, Asheville, NC. Born in Greenville, SC, he was the son of the late Burton J. and Bertha Barton Rhodes. John was a Veteran of WWII having served in the U. S. Army where he received 2 Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. He was an electrician by trade and had worked many years with Pace Electric. John retired from the City of Saluda as Maintenance Supervisor in l992 after more than 20 years of service. Mr. Rhodes was a member of the VFW Post #5206 in Hendersonville, NC and the Saluda Lions Club. He was a member of Saluda First Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife of 69 years, Ruth Middleton Rhodes; two daughters, Patricia R. Ross (Bob) of Johns Island, SC and Gail Bailey-Heaton (Steve) of Taylors, SC. Also surviving are 3 grandchildren, Andy Ross, Kristie Bryson and Bart Bailey and 5 great grandchildren, Austin Harrison, Madison and Hunter Bailey, Chase and John Bryson. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 10, 2012 in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, NC with Rev. Sherrill Moore, Don Mintz and Jerry Russell officiating. Family will receive friends from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. Thursday prior to the service in the McFarland Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Saluda City Cemetery, Saluda, NC with military rites by VFW Post #5206, Hendersonville, NC. At other times the family will be at the home. Memorials may be made to Saluda Fire and Rescue, 199 Walnut Street, Saluda, NC 28773 or to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard, Alexandria, VA 22311.
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