Sammie Lee Rhodes Jr.

He was my sgt major when i was in the corp. Rest in peace devil dog.

Cpl. Rhodes was my drill instructor in 1965. When I arrived in Paris Island he was the most intimidating man I had ever "met",.... by the time I left PI I viewed him as the person I would most want in my fox hole. He was a true professional, as well as a caring person. Sharp guy; the model Marine. Thank you for your service Sammie Rhodes.

i've never met this person but felt the need to honor him since his picture was buried under tons of pictures of an actress with a similar name.
you are gone but not forgotten, even to the random stranger that took the time to learn about you.

It has been a long time since I’d last seen Sergeant Major Rhodes. I have been a little behind in reading the local news and was both surprised and saddened to read of his passing.

I remember in the early 1980’s, I was a young mechanic assigned to Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 267 (HML-267), and Sammie Rhodes was the squadron Sergeant Major.

I remember he drove a Volkswagen Beetle with a Baja kit, big tires in the back and loud exhaust; he later gave it up for a little Porsche.

I remember kidding him about driving a “Girls Car”, and he shrugged his shoulders and said, “Well…I’m driving it for the girls”.

I remember once when I violated a barracks order (well, maybe twice), and he made me and my two accomplices paint the barracks common area…..on the weekend….on Labor Day weekend.

I remember when he solicited me and my jeep (which had a winch on the front) to pull some large bushes out of the ground that were growing too close to the barracks.

I remember this fat little Sergeant running up and demanding to know “what Idiot” was behind this desecration.

I remember happily pointing over to the Sergeant Major; who at this time, was in full over-the-glasses glare. That fat little Sergeant grabbed a shovel and started digging.

I remember every year the Sergeant Major would stay up all night and roast a pig for the squadron party.

And that brings me to what I really remember about Sergeant Major Rhodes. At first glance, he looked all the world like this stern, straight backed, no joy in the world, spit and polish S.O.B. of a Sergeant Major…. but for those of us who had the opportunity to know him, to share a campfire with him, while surrounded by the smell of slowly roasting pork; he was just a down to earth, fair minded, easy talking man who liked to cook…..until you screwed-up again.

Semper Fi Sergeant Major; Rest in Peace

T. Dalan
Oceanside

we love you all may god bless you all cousin

bernice robinson
staten island,ny

Thank you all for coming by and signing the guest book. My father was a wonderful man. He was not perfect but he was a great father and definitely a great grandfather to my children. I think about him everyday. Your kind words have really helped me through this time and again, I thank you.

To: Ida Rhodes, sister of the deceased, and family

May the promise in God's Word be your hope today; your peace tomorrow, and your comfort always.

With deepest sympathy,
Evelyn Johnson
Hamden, Connecticut

To Rose and the girls, from Beersheba Rhodes and family. Words cannot express our thanks and appreciation of your moving memorial and send away for Sam. It has helped much, to sooth our grief and comfort us during these trying times. The pictures of him and your family has done so much to open up your lives to us across the distance and time. God bless and keep you and give you peace. Love and prayers.

TO THE RHODES FAMILY
HAVE HOPE IN TOMMORROW, HAVE FAITH IN THE EVERLASTING, AND TAKE COMFORT IN THE LOVE OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS YOU'RE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS THE DIAZ FAMILY ANSONIA CONNECTICUT

To Mrs Rhodes, Ida,Lynvert
Sometime it"s hard to understand why certain things must be. But there is a reason for it all beyond our power to see. And may it comfort us a bit to know the one we love has found eternal happiness. And lasting peace above
sorrowfully submitted the family
Mickey and Amy

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

Dear Rose,

I just learned of Sammie's passing and it took me back to kinder memories of our good times together. He was so young. What a shock. If you would like to chat...give me a call at 760-804-1642 when you are ready.

Love in sadness,

Johanna & Jay

To Mrs. Rhodes (mother) my condolences to you. Stay strong in the lord, and He will keep you. To Mrs. Rhodes (wife) God knows your sorrow, he knows your strength, look to Him for your comfort. To Ida Rhodes, my friend, I love you, you are strong, and have to grieve, but focus on the good memories. They will keep you in touch with your brother. To my friend Creature....You are the oldest....I think, you have to be the rock of your family....luv and peace.

We are so sorry.. and our hearts go out to all of you. Sam was a person you could never forget. Sam and I went into the Corps together and although our lives took separate paths, he was a good friend. We will always cherish the childhood days we spent together. All our love to his family.... and to his mother, Beersheeba.

Dott and Troy Gandy

Beersheba Rhodes & Family, Ansonia, Ct.
The greatest love is love of God and Family. Sam's greatest legacy was his love of his family. We appreciate all of the gifts of love, expressions of condolences and prayers.

Dear Ida and family, may God lift up your head and give you peace during your time of bereavement. Anita Cotton, West Haven, CT

Dear Ida i'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother, HOLD ON TO GOD unchanging hand , YOU HAVE MY condolense Love you Mamie Smith

My prayers go out you, Ida, and your family. "for he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all ways." Psalm 91:11 God be with all, Grace Avila (West Haven, Ct)

sorry for your lose my prayers go out to you and the family jimmy goodson cousin>>>

Bro, Tho we did not talk much, I was many times comforted by your presence. I will miss you dearly. Sympathy, Empathy, and Blessed Peace, to your wife, children and grands. "Blessed are they who trust in The Lord, For they shall know peace." Lynvert

Brother,
We will all miss your bodacious ways and I will especially miss our long conversations. We love you with a love beyond eternity.

Ida E. Rhodes, Sister

you will be missed uncle, you are in our prayers. love your nephew Santo and family

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dear Mrs. Rhodes and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the death of our cousin Sam. May God give you comfort in your time of sorrow.