Tommy Rhodes

RHODES, Thomas Richard "Tommy"

Thomas Richard "Tommy" Rhodes made his last witty, and most likely, sarcastic remark on October 29, 2025.

Tommy lived most of his life in Atlanta and the last 10 years on Lake Oconee. He was born in Savannah, GA on July 12, 1952, to Henry Vincent "Dick" and Betty Reed Rhodes, preceded in death by both. Surviving family members include brother, Reed Rhodes (Channy); sister, Sandra Hallen (George); nieces and nephews, Jeff Hallen (Morgan), Beth Plotkin (Marc), ChanTrier Rhodes, Sarak Rhodes and Nisai Rhodes; great-nieces Aubrey Plotkin, Harper Plotkin, Rhodes Hallen and Lucy Hallen; along with favorite cousin, Betsy Woodward.

From the moment of his arrival into the world and his self-proclaimed coronation as "family performer," Tommy was blessed with unwavering love, support, and care from his family. It was he who provided so many of life's first experiences for Jeff and Beth, including first concert, first CD, fine dining experience, a Broadway play, and the Peachtree Road Race. He was always there for significant life moments in school events, graduations, weddings, and births.

Equipped with a Master's Degree from Georgia State and his CPA certification, he began a distinguished 40-year career at Equifax. A true testament to his expertise, he served in a variety of managerial roles, which included a pivotal two-year assignment in the UK to train employees. It was during that time when he took an excursion on British Airways' Concorde, the opportunity of a lifetime. Tommy was not a typical accountant, as a matter of fact there was nothing ordinary about him. He had better lines than most comedians and you could always count on him to lighten the mood with a perfectly timed, hilarious comment. Lucy and Ethel had nothing on him. In addition to his lifelong roles as entertainer and beloved bar regular, Tommy spent three decades as a dedicated gym rat. In the beginning, exercise was an entertaining pastime but quickly grew into a lifetime passion, as evidenced by his physique.

He brought his piercingly quick wit and dry humor, sprinkled with sharp sarcasm, to thousands of friends, colleagues, and anyone who crossed his path. His larger than life presence made every room more lively and each gathering more fun. Tommy left this world confident in a few absolute truths, the first being that the Hollywood Classics are the best ever made (including "Casablanca," "Gone with the Wind," "Sunset Boulevard," and "Miracle on 34th Street"). He had an uncanny, encyclopedic knowledge of the Golden Age of Hollywood, and his penchant for old movies led to astonishing details and recall of the actors, actresses, and behind the scenes stories. Other truths include that Tina Turner was the finest recording artist to grace a stage, Cary Grant was the ultimate example of effortless charm and suave, witty repartee (just like our own Tommy Rhodes), Jaguar was the most beautiful machine to ever hit the road, and blondes really do have more fun.

Tommy's regrets were few but memorable. They include eating Milk Duds during a movie and pulling off two crowns (or was it one crown and one tiara?), never training one of his faithful dogs to be a circus performer, and the unfortunate fact that no video evidence exists of his legendary prowess whether in the gym, behind his desk, dazzling others with his calligraphy, filing everyone's taxes or "performances."

Those who knew Tommy will say he did things his way. He realized he enjoyed an exceptional life, appreciated the finer things, and was grateful for the prosperity he achieved. He had a passion for home decorating, calligraphy, and household projects and enjoyed doing creative tasks himself. As a prolific volunteer, he lent his time and talent to a diverse range of causes including the 1996 Olympics, Atlanta Arts Center, Fox Theater (Save the Fox), Human Rights, and Big Brothers.

Tommy's life was enhanced because of his deep love for his dogs. He is now reunited with his late canine companions, Talon, Max, and Josh. He will be sorely missed by his surviving dog and shadow, Joey.

In true Tommy fashion, there will be no funeral service. He was a very private person and did not want life to end with people gawking at his casket, quietly whispering, "He looks so good…like he's sleeping."

Cremation will be performed, and Tommy's ashes will be kept in a very expensive urn until it no longer matches its surrounding decor. At that time, an inurnment will take place, at Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Tucker, in the space next to his parents.

Everyone who wishes to commemorate Tommy's life is asked to do so in his/her own way. Raising a glass, in his honor, would be quite appropriate. Another way to celebrate him could be a donation to Peachtree Christian Church in Atlanta, where he was a lifelong member. Eating your preferred ice cream, having dinner in your favorite restaurant, working out, completing a home project, or indulging in a bit of shopping are all examples of celebrating him in your own way.

If you were fortunate enough to call Tommy "friend," you knew you had loyalty for life. He took friends to chemo treatments, doctors' appointments, to the beauty parlor (as he would say), and to anywhere they needed to go. In keeping with that spirit, Tommy's hope would be that each of us perform an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone less fortunate.

One thing is certain: there will never be another Tommy Rhodes.

Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.