Willie Joseph Rhodes

Willie Joseph Rhodes was the fourth of eight children, born on August 25, 1947 to the late James Madison and Annie Belle Rhodes. Willie grew up in Thibodaux, Louisiana. He was baptized at a very young age and became a member of Moses Baptist Church of Thibodaux. He attended C. M. Washington Elementary and High Schools where he graduated in 1965. He was known to his friends as "Rock", but as children, his siblings would tell him that he was called "Rock" because he was so hard headed. He was very passionate about music; in high school he played a variety of instruments, which included the Alto and Tenor Saxophones. In his senior year of high school, he won 1st place in state competition, for which the prize was a gold mouth piece for his saxophone. Willie later joined the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of E6 (Tech Sergeant) working in the Finance and Accounting Field. He remained in the armed services for sixteen years and decided to do something different. Drawn by his love for music, he managed a record store called Waxy Maxie's for three years. Later, he decided to put his education to use in finance and accounting. Rejoining the United States Government in a civilian capacity, he quickly moved up the ladder attaining the role of supervising the finance department for the United States Air Force. Years later he became the "go to guy" and, in doing so, he acquired the accounting department in addition to the finance department. Willie worked out of Washington, D.C. for half of his career before being transferred to Denver, Colorado where he married Carol J. Harris. Willie and his wife Carol moved to Houston, Texas in 2007 once they were both retired. There they attended The Church Without Walls. Willie leaves behind to cherish his memories his loving wife, Carol J. Rhodes; two children, Melissa B. Rhodes of West Palm Beach, FL and Kymberly R. Rhodes of North Hollywood, CA; one stepdaughter, Mercedes Funderburk of New York, NY; a granddaughter, Makayla Rhodes; a step-grandson, Shawn Campbell; two sisters, Marian A. Rhodes Fleming of Thibodaux, LA and Denise Rhodes Webb (Curtis) of Houston, TX; three brothers, James T. Rhodes (Cynthia) of Baton Rouge, LA; Alfred J. Rhodes (Irma) of Houston, TX; , and Michael W. Rhodes of Thibodaux, LA, along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by: his father, James Madison Rhodes, his mother, Annie Belle Turner Rhodes; his sister, Delores I. Rhodes Starks; and a brother, Eldwin D. Rhodes. Willie was a family oriented person, making sure that his wife, children, nieces, nephews, and siblings were all doing well and he would check up on them from time to time. On birthdays, holidays, family gatherings, etc., he would make sure that he was available to attend all functions whenever possible. You will be missed by all, Rock!