A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Saturday, December 22, at 2:00 PM at Edgewood Presbyterian Church in Columbus. Family will receive friends after the service in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Joe to Edgewood Presbyterian Church Mission Fund, 3617 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907.
He is survived by his fiancé, Elizabeth Collins Allison (Liz); his son, Andrew Jack Rhodes; daughters, April Rhodes Stoner (David) and their baby due in February, and Angela Joy Rhodes.
He is also survived by his beloved sisters, Marjorie Rhodes McNutt and Dianna Rhodes Helms (Mike), nieces and nephews, Bob McNutt, David McNutt, Janet McNutt Chumley, Allen Rhodes Helms, and Shelley Helms Fleishman and many other family members and friends.
During his long relationship with Liz, Joe developed close ties with her children, David Collins Allison (Stacy) and Mary Leavitt Stewart (Matthew). He was affectionately called “Papa Joe” by their children, Anna Allison, Bo Allison and Allie Stewart. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Cindy Wheatley.
Joe was born October 7, 1947, son of the late Noel Jack Rhodes and Lucille Mangum Rhodes in Birmingham, Alabama. He was a graduate of Marion Institute and Auburn University, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order and was greatly involved in Campus Crusade for Christ. Upon graduation he joined the U.S. Army where he reached the rank of First Lieutenant. Joe was a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, where he received a Masters of Theology.
Joe’s first call was to Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades, California where he served as pastor. While living in the Los Angeles area, he obtained his Doctorate of Ministry from Talbot Theological Seminary.
He then moved to North Carolina where he continued his ministerial service.
Joe’s graduate work equipped him for a lifetime of service. Joe ministered to, counseled, encouraged, and taught countless people from coast to coast. His calm demeanor, knowledge of God’s Word, and spiritual gifts enabled Joe to give wise guidance to all he met.
Upon moving to Columbus to be near Liz and his family, Joe began a business repairing and remodeling homes. Each project resulted in lasting friendships. As always, Joe continued his ministry through friendships and his active participation at Edgewood Presbyterian Church. Joe served the Lord volunteering for many mission trips to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Bolivia, India, and numerous other places. Joe also served as a Chaplain at Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital for over 10 years ministering to families in need.
Joe’s passion was people...loving people, serving people, and helping people. He will be sorely missed by his family, countless friends, and a myriad of people he discipled throughout his lifetime.
Condolences and fond memories may be offered at www. shcolumbus.com
