Ernest Ray Rhodes

Rhodes Reverend Ernest Ray Rhodes, 85, of Columbus, passed away May 19, 2015 at Kobacker House. Ernest was born December 30, 1929 in Addison, PA to the late Ernest F. Rhodes and Alverta C. (Pyle) Rhodes. He left high school to join the United States Army and worked as a personnel clerk at the Staten Island Hospital. A Pastor for 45 years Ernest, and his wife of 67 years Dorothy, traveled from Delaware to Pennsylvania eventually coming to Cleveland where he pastored at the Bedford Church of the Nazarene for 23 years before pastoring at the Columbus First Church of the Nazarene for 10 years. During his years as a pastor he served on numerous boards and committees as well as spending time mentoring other ministers. In addition to his wife, Dorothy (Campbell) whom he wed on January 2, 1948, he leaves behind his children, Judith Rae Whetsel of Columbus, Eugene Allen (Deb) Rhodes of Beavercreek, Debra Lynn (Paul) Gawry of Macedonia and Ernest Ray (Joanne) Rhodes, Jr. of Shalersville. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; brother, Donald Rhodes of Apopka, FL. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his twin brother Ralph Eugene Rhodes. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON. Friends may call Friday, May 22, 2015 at Northwest Church of the Nazarene, 5707 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43235 from 3-7 p.m. and Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at which time a funeral service will be held with Pastors Bob Morrison and Bernard Dickson officiating. Interment will follow at Kingwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kobacker House Hospice, 800 McConnell Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43214. Online condolences may be made at www.schoedinger.com.