Tommy-Rhodes-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Coker Funeral Home - Sanger

Tommy Joe Rhodes

Sanger, Texas

Feb 12, 1948 – Apr 6, 2024

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BORN
February 12, 1948
DIED
April 6, 2024
LOCATION
Sanger, Texas

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Coker Funeral Home - Sanger Obituary

Tommy Joe Rhodes, 76, of Sanger, passed away in Sanger, TX, on April 6, 2024.  He was born in Abilene, Texas, on February 12, 1948, to Thomas Aaron and Lou Dora (Vandever) Rhodes.  Following his father’s death, Lou Dora married James Cecil “Pete” Rippey, who raised Tommy as his own son.


​Tommy graduated from school in Sanger, TX, and was a member of the Class of 1967.  On June 27, 1967, he married the love of his life, Betty Diane Bailes.  They made their home in Sanger, where they raised their three children.  Tommy deeply loved his family and the time they spent together.  


​Tommy was passionate about ranching, which he did throughout his life at his ranch, 1000 Hills Cattle Co. in Sanger, TX.  In Dallas, for 35 years, he owned Tommy Rhodes Drywall, a commercial drywall business.  Tommy also owned TOS Oilfield Services, which he started with his son Russell in 2006.


​Tommy was a Christian and loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He and Diane raised their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to love the Lord.  They are members of Denton Bible Church in Denton, TX.  Tommy served in the Sheep Dog Ministry at Denton Bible, as well as on the Bolivar Water Board of Trustees; he also served in leadership at Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), where he brought with him his four grandsons and two of his great-grandsons to learn about the Lord.   


​Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Thomas Michael “Dusty” Rhodes, and three half-brothers, Bill Campbell, Bob Campbell, and Jim Campbell.  Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years, Diane of Sanger; daughter, Angie and husband Luke Wilkinson of Sanger; son, Russell Rhodes and wife Jessica of Sanger; mother-in-law Betty Bailes of Sanger; sister-in-law, Sue Cudd of Fort Worth; nine grandchildren, Bobby Wilkinson, Ashley Wilkinson McGraw and Nathan McGraw, Brooke and Shawna Hash, Abbie Wilkinson Carrow and Kyle Carrow, Rusty Rhodes, Allie Wilkinson, Brandon Rhodes, Dusty “Jace” Rhodes, and Kooper Rhodes; six great-grandchildren, Michael Wilkinson, Elijah Wilkinson, Mason Carrow, McKinley McGraw, Hadley Wilkinson, and Cason Wilkinson, along with many in-laws, nieces and nephews.


​A visitation for Tommy is from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Coker Funeral Home in Sanger.  Funeral services are at 2:00 pm, Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Denton Bible Church, 2300 E. University Drive, Denton, TX.  Pastor Tommy Nelson will officiate the services. Jack Barrett, Paul Brown, Mark Bulger, Derek Hook, David Richey, and Luke Wilkinson will serve as pallbearers, with honorary pallbearers John Anderson, Tom Dickens, Daniel Donegan, Ronny Jones, Bert Smith, and Dewey Wood.  Interment will be in the Sanger Cemetery following the funeral services. 


Tommy Rhodes would want you to know, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9.

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What a great guy! Known Tommy and Diane since junior high. Diane you and your family are in my prayers. Love you

Goodbye Old Friend, I learned a lot from the short time I spent with you. I will miss you each Sunday helping protect the congregation.

Diane, I am so very sorry to hear about Tommy. Please know you are in my heart and prayers.

So sorry to hear of Tommy's passing . Tommy was very good man .

One of the best. I definitely know he is with Jesus right now.

Diane- I'm so extremely sorry to hear about "Joe Joe". Our family enjoyed spending time with your's, especially daddy. I know they will be rejoicing in Heaven and reminiscing about old times.

So sorry for your loss. Praying for you all.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Love you Ashley!