Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Rick Rhodes Obituary
He was a North Carolina native. He practiced law for over 25 years in the areas of business and communications law. In his career, Rick engaged in private practice in two well-established Washington, D.C. firms. His clients ranged from small closely-held businesses to major Fortune 500 companies. He was counsel for a nationwide communications corporation in Las Vegas.
Mr. Rhodes returned to North Carolina six years ago to practice law in Jacksonville, NC. He was an educator serving at the university level including a member of the faculty of East Carolina University. As a young man, he was a radio announcer and managed radio stations. He graduated from Mount Olive College and the University of Arkansas and finally Columbus School of Law, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. He served on the Board of Alumni at Mt. Olive University. Rick was a man that above all enjoyed educating. He was always willing to pass on his experience freely be it general knowledge, law or safe shooting.
Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Rhoda and Betty Ange Rhodes. His immediate family includes his wife of 37 years, Reita Demaree Rhodes of Jacksonville, NC; his sister, Betty Jo and her husband Jerry Leonard of Newport; his brother, Tim Rhodes of New Bern, NC; niece, Sarah Rhodes of Myrtle Beach, SC; and nephews Brock and Grant Demaree of Sallisaw, OK.
Mrs. Rhodes would like to thank Rick's loving family, friends and members of the Onslow County Bar for their kindness and prayers. We appreciate the care and compassion of Continuum Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Mt. Olive University.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 31 at Cotton Funeral Home in New Bern, NC. Burial will be at Greenleaf Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be made to the family at Cottenfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by Cotton Funeral Home and Crematory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rick Rhodes
Frank Scheide
December 22, 2023
Dear Reita,
We think of you and Rick often. Our memories of Rick are precious.
Love,
Frank, Sue, Daniela & Sheyla
Chris Braganza
December 22, 2023
Dear Reita,
Joanne, Vanessa and I still fondly remember Rick and visiting you both at your home in Maryland. Vanessa was about 4 or 5. She is now 29 and completing her PhD at Harvard. You were both so kind to all three of us. We still miss Rick after all these years. May he RIP. We hope you are doing well in OK?
Chip Cox
December 22, 2023
Once again I have great memories of working with Rick and being his friend. He left us much too soon.
Frank Scheide
December 22, 2022
Dear Reita,
The girls, Sue, and I think of are times with you and Rick often. Such great times. One friend said Rick was bigger than life. Not many people are remembered that way. We miss Rick and are grateful for the memories.
Kenneth Strange
July 30, 2022
Dear Reita,
I just learned of Rick's passing. I guess you can say, "I didn't get the memo." I knew you and Rick from Saudi Arabia and really loved your husband.
He was gracious, funny and had a marvelous Southern wit. I have one or two photos of him from Saudi which I will have to send you.
It looks like he did some great things in life after your time in the Middle East.
I will try reaching out to you. I don't know if you knew that I married a Saudia airlines stewardess in 1981 and we had twin daughters. I am writing a book--my third--called "Land of Sand." Guess what it's about?
Again, my prayers and condolences. I can still hear your husband's voice. He will be missed.
Ken Strange
Thousand Oaks, CA
(805) 366-9819
Chip Cox
December 22, 2021
Rick was truly a gentleman and a scholar. He is missed by his friends in telecommunications and academics.
Frank Scheide
December 26, 2020
I can't believe it has been four years. What wonderful memories.
Frank Scheide
December 24, 2019
The girls loved their times with "Uncle Rick and Auntie Reita", and we are grateful for the memories. We think of Rick often, and he makes us smile.
Sarah Ely-Rooney
August 21, 2017
Mrs. Reita
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Rick. Mom and I have been thinking about you all lately, and when I found he had died it was heart breaking. I can't even imagine how much of a shock it must have been. We had no idea Mr. Rick was ill. I hope you are embracing the Lord in these trying times.
We miss you both, your wonderful chili, and all the beautifully wonderful stories of your adventures. If you are able, please email, mom would love to talk and catch up.
With love,
Georgia and Sarah Ely-Rooney
Kim Smith
August 3, 2017
Dear Reita, I am so sorry to learn of Rick's passing. He and you were good friends to me when I lived in North Carolina and taught at East Carolina. Over the years, he would find some excuse to call me. When I answered the phone, his voice was always instantly recognizable. Rick was a good man in every sense of the term. He will be missed. Kim Smith
Chip Cox
June 23, 2017
Dear Reita,
I just found out about this. Rick was a great guy and a good friend when we taught together at ECU. He was extremely knowledgeable about communication and was very humorous--just a great guy to be around. My condolences to you and the rest of his family.
Chip Cox
May 6, 2017
Dear Reita. My heart aches. He was a "bright light" with southern charm and class.
Lord, those who die still live in Your presence,
their lives change but do not end.
I pray in hope for my family,
relatives and friends,
and for all the dead known to You alone. ht light" with southern charm and class. Mike, Kelly and Shana.
Tracy Houchens
April 20, 2017
Dear Reita,
I am so sorry to hear about Rick. You both was and still are some of my most favorite people in the world. Rick was a wonderful person, fantastic boss, and a sincere friend. I am so sorry for your loss.
Tracy Houchens (Trynock)
Chris Braganza
April 15, 2017
Dear Reita, Joanne and I were stunned when we received your card in the mail yesterday informing us of Rick's passing. Rick and you have been in my prayers ever since I received your card. May he Rest In Peace. we look forward to seeing you in person when possible.---Joanne and Chris Braganza, Purcellville, VA
Erskine & Tammy Hawkins
February 2, 2017
My dearest Reita, Erskine and I just found out about Rick. We are still in shock! Both of you were so wonderful to us and our family. If there is anything and we do mean anything that we can do for you, please let us now.
Contact us, Erskine, Tammy, and Michaiah Hawkins
Frank Scheide
January 27, 2017
Dear Reita,
Sue, the girls, and I were shocked and saddened when we learned about Rick's passing. We're so very sorry that you are dealing with his loss, and hope that things are going as well as they can during this very difficult time.
Rick and I would have been friends for 40 years come fall. We're so very lucky to have had Rick as a friend, and grateful to you both. After the girls heard the sad news Daniela told Sue, Uncle Rick was my favorite uncle, and Sheyla agreed. We miss him.
You are very much in our thoughts and prayers.
With Love and Deepest Sympathy,
Frank, Sue, Daniela, and Sheyla
Nancy Yates
January 13, 2017
I was sorry to hear about Rick's death. Rick and I served on the University of Mount Olive Alumni Board together. I will cherish the memories of our opportunities to work together.
Genevieve Taylor
January 13, 2017
Rick and I served on the University of Mount Olive Alumni Board. Rick was a pleasure to have on the board and always looked for ways to improve the Alumni Board and the University. He was a great asset to the board. I treasure the opportunities that we had to work together.
Rick and Reita with Marilyn Giorgio-Poole Saudi Arabia 1980
Bernard Poole
January 6, 2017
Bernard & Marilyn Poole
January 5, 2017
Dear Reita, Marilyn and I were so saddened to learn this afternoon of Rick's passing. What a special man he was, and how you must miss his sense of fun, his thoughtfulness, his spirit of adventure, his ability to bounce back from adversity, his never-ending stream of southern wit and social charm. In so many ways he was larger than life itself and will live on with us in our heart and mind and soul for as long as we are around. Such a good, good man. We often would talk about you both and wonder when we'd get together again. Marilyn's doing her best to get in touch with you, Reita. Hopefully she will succeed soon and we can find our way to you before too long. Our hearts go out to you and we hold you close as you go about your days reliving all the good times that you and Rick shared. We'll be doing the same, dear friend. Our love always. Bernard and Marilyn
Alyson Sheradin
January 4, 2017
Reita, To you and your family, I am so sorry for your loss. Rick was so full of life and always had a great story to tell. He will certainly be missed. Sending you love and hugs.
Bonnie Modlin Robertson
December 30, 2016
So sorry to learn of Ricky's passing. May memories comfort you in the days ahead. We spent many childhood hours playing while our grandmother's visited (they were sisters).
David Drew
December 30, 2016
I will miss Rick deeply. Rick and I became friends through the annual Flatwater gathering in Nebraska. I have struggled to find the right words to say here and can best express myself by echoing the words of Bob Blair.
Jimmy & Darlene Leonard
December 30, 2016
Dear Rhodes Family We are so sorry for your loss. We hope good memories and prayers will sustain you during this difficult time. Sincerely, Jimmy and Darlene
Ann Harper
December 30, 2016
Reita- To you and your family, I feel your grief and sorrow in your loss. Ann Harper
Chip Helms
December 30, 2016
My condolences to the Rhodes Family on the passing of Rick. As young men, we were members of the Order of DeMolay and later joined by his brother Tim. I always had admiration for Rick's talents and abilities through the years. The family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Anne Shaw
December 30, 2016
Rick made an investment everywhere he went. At Coastal Carolina Community College Small Business Center, we were privileged to have his expert guidance for the entrepreneurs and small business owners in our program. Rick's knowledge, keen wit, and wonderful sense of humor have been a blessing to our staff and students. Many have made better business decisions as a result of his guidance. Rick was very fond of Pete Ellis, "Professor Pete", as he called him, who leads the entrepreneurship training in the Small Business Center, and never turned Pete down when he was asked to share his expertise with our students. Rick's impact will be felt for a long time! We will surely miss him. With sincere condolences to Reita and family - Anne Shaw
Cecil Hargett
December 29, 2016
Reita, I am very saddened to read of Rick's passing. He was a fine man, an excellent attorney, and a good friend. I knew I would like you both the moment we met when you opened an office in our building. I am so glad that we had an opportunity to see each other recently when the two of you visited my office. I offer my sincere condolences to you and other family members. God Bless!
Tony Rich
December 29, 2016
To Rick's family,
I only knew Rick from his posts on a hunting dog forum we both frequented. I always enjoyed his posts and unabashed insight and humor. I will personally miss the fun he brought to our forum. My sincere condolences to your family.
Tony Rich
Glenda H Beck
December 29, 2016
BJ and the Rhodes family. I am so sorry. Please accept my sincere condolences in the loss of your brother and family member.
Bobbie Martin
December 29, 2016
Reita, Sorry for your loss. I will miss my "Favorite Nephew " and all the jokes
and goofy pictures he emailed me. Love you so much.
Deborah Dewart
December 29, 2016
Reita, I was so very sad to hear about Rick - always looked forward to chatting with him at Onslow bar association events. Prayers and blessings to you and all your family.
This picture taken October, 2010.
Bob Farris
December 29, 2016
Tammie Sutherland
December 29, 2016
Reita,
Our hearts are saddened to hear of your loss.
Love and prayers,
Tammie and Keith
Peter Ellis Jr
December 29, 2016
Words cannot describe the loss of a finer man. Rick was always available to assist people not only with legal advice, but with business counseling. He frequently spoke at Coastal Carolina CC seminars, whenever I asked him to speak to new entrepreneurs. We lost a great friend in our community and a personal icon to me.
Bob Blair
December 29, 2016
We were all privileged to be able to share some time and near space with a great, piercingly witty, funny, and intelligent friend like Rick. And he was a friend in the truest sense......not one you had to see everyday or even every year, but one whose presence was always felt. He was one of the good guys and will be missed. Godspeed Rick.
Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results
Make a Donation
in Rick Rhodes's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Rick Rhodes
How to support Rick's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Rick Rhodes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
