John Rhodes

John Edward Rhodes “Big John”, 83, beloved husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather of Lakeside Park, KY, passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, at St Elizabeth’s Hospice. John was born on September 20, 1932 to Frank “Pappy” and Julia “JuJu” Rhodes of Mayfield, Kentucky.

John is preceded in death by his first wife of 43 years, Marjorie Apking Rhodes (“Peg”), of Atlanta, GA, his sister Jane Francis Burns, and his younger brother Frank H. Rhodes, II, of Brentwood, TN. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Nona Rhodes of Lakeside Park, KY, his children, Jonathan (“Jon”) Elliott Rhodes, of Atlanta, GA, Julie Marie Rhodes (Jim Couch), of Atlanta, GA, and Jennifer Jayne Rhodes, Atlanta, GA; Melanie (and Chris) Stricker of Ft. Mitchell, KY, and Jeff (and Shirley) Stricker of Ft. Mitchell, KY, and his daughter-in law, Charmaine Rhodes; his 10 grandchildren: Rozalyn Woods, Mason Rhodes, John I. Rhodes, Rachel Rhodes, Gretl Rhodes, Valerie Rhodes, Theodore “Teddy” Rhodes, Emma Stricker, Emelia Stricker, and Marissa Stricker; 6 great-grandchildren Maxwell “Max” Rhodes, John “Jack” Rhodes, James Rhodes, Caleb Woods, Elijah Woods, and Emersyn Rhodes. John was also the beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews including Martin “Rhodes” Burns, Tim Burns, Stephen Burns, Mary Julia Burns Vosburg, Frank Burns, Jane Elizabeth Burns, Jane Ann Chandler, Mary Beth Rhodes and Frank Rhodes, III.

John attended Mayfield High School in Mayfield, Kentucky and then pursued his bachelor’s degree at various colleges including the University of Kentucky, Loyola University, University of Arizona and Christian Brother’s College. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky and his Master’s degree from the University of Houston.

John spent his career in the computer industry working in various IT positions, including database administrator and management positions at Honeywell, Southern Railway, University of Georgia and he retired from his longtime position at Snapper Power Equipment in McDonough, Georgia in 1994. He also taught computer and finance classes at Atlanta Technical College in Atlanta, Georgia.

“Big” John was larger than life – he was 6’4” tall –those who met him never forgot him - he stood out among others – he was tall, handsome, smart, outgoing, charming and he loved to cut up and have fun – he had a great presence and charm, a sharp sense of humor and a quick wit. He was kind, compassionate, generous, and loved to share his talents and knowledge with others – he enjoyed talking to people from all walks of life. He often volunteered his time, energy and resources to help others, especially those that were less fortunate. He was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather – he was devoted to all things family. He would always go the extra mile to help others – he was genuinely concerned about each and every person in his family - he was the one you could count on to help out during times of need - his love, compassion, and generosity had no bounds. He was also a huge animal lover - he was very tender, loving and kind to all living creatures – his pets were family and a very important part of his life.

John loved college sports and spent much time in Athens, GA, cheering on the University of Georgia Bulldogs football team. He also loved attending Notre Dame games with his beloved younger brother, Frank Rhodes. But most of all, he loved his UK Wildcats –football, basketball in particular, and all college sports.

John was very active with the University of Kentucky Alumni Association and an avid UK sports fan. He was a UK Fellow, Past President of the Atlanta UK Alumni Club, member of NKGC Alumni Club Advisory Board, Member of Golden Wildcat Society, UK Alumni Life Member, and Recipient of the UK Distinguished Alumni Award. John was also past City Councilman, City of Lakeside Park, KY.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 3:00 pm at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, 2690 Dixie Highway, Lakeside Park, KY 41017 with a reception after the memorial service in the Chapel for friends and family. There is no visitation. Middendorf-Bullock Funeral Home, Erlanger, is serving the family.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to NKUC UK Alumni Scholarship Fund or Lakeside Presbyterian Church.

Condolences may be sent to the family of John Rhodes c/o Nona Stricker Rhodes, 24 Marian Drive, Lakeside Park, KY 41017.