Marvin Edward Rhodes Jr.

Ed leaves behind his loving wife and constant companion of 46 years, Carol Elizabeth Bailey Rhodes, and three sons, John Eric (Jeanne Lee), Keith Edward (Keri) and Brian Eugene. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Francis Hannett and his four grandchildren, Lauren Elizabeth, Jonathan Conrad, Kathryn Julia and Benjamin Andrew.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Marvin and Myra Rhodes; his father and mother-in-law, Charles and Sylvia Bailey; and his sisters, Dorothea Louise Daugherty and Lyndall Joyce Castle.

Growing up in Mobile, Ed strived to achieve and graduated from Murphy High School then earned a Bachelor of Education at the University of Alabama. He served his country honorably in the Army during the Korean War. Ed continued to strive earning a Master of Secondary Education from the University of Alabama and a Master of Library and Information Science from Louisiana State University. He applied his knowledge and expertise to the library systems of University Military School, University of South Alabama and dedicated 26 years to the library system at the University of Alabama.

Ed was an engaged and active father, always making time for his family. He was his sons' biggest fan, encouraging them and leading them in the way they should go. He is remembered as a loving husband, a hard worker and a great provider. He was a dedicated member of Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa and served as a deacon. Ed had a fantastic sense of humor and loved a good prank as his sons and all the students who worked for him will attest. He had a great passion for Alabama football, basketball and everything Crimson and White.

Ed's life was defined by faith, love, commitment, encouragement and hard work. His family will miss him greatly.

A funeral service will be held at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery on Monday, March 19, 2012 at 10:00 AM. The family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, all gifts be sent to Calvary Baptist Church, 1121 Paul W. Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35401.