George R. Rhoads

George R. Rhoads, 71, of Rogers, died on Dec. 18, 2024.

He was born in Paragould to C. Robert Rhoads and Evah Matilda Rhoads. George was predeceased by his parents; his stepmother, Wanda Rhoads; his sister, Katie Grimes; and his wife, Kathey Starnes Rhoads.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela Smith Rhoads, of the home; and daughters Sarah K. Reid (Matthew) of Conway and Rachel M. Carpenter (Malcolm) of Bentonville. He has five grandsons, Isaac Reid, Malcolm Robert Carpenter, Desmond Reid, Kyber Carpenter and Lochlan Carpenter, and two step-grandsons, Krew Gifford and Tanner Gifford. He is also survived by his sisters Brenda Kay Howard of Black Rock, and Billie Deloris Deaver of Bono. He is also survived by two stepchildren, Eric Gifford of Huntsville, and Hannah Leigh Cicioni of Rogers.

George grew up on a cotton farm in Paragould. He graduated from Oak Grove High School in Paragould in 1971. He then graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in History and Political Science in 1975. He then went on to graduate from the University of Arkansas Law School in 1979.

He was hired by a Tulsa law firm during his last year at law school, so he practiced law in Tulsa for his first two years of tenure as a lawyer. Then he returned to Arkansas and went to work for the Walmart legal department as one of the first three attorneys at Walmart. He then went to work for the law firm of Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure & Thompson, P.A. where he practiced law for 41 years.

George was involved in many civic activities throughout his career, including periods as the Lowell City Attorney, a member of the Rogers Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Teen Action and Support Center (TASC), and he served 40 years as the Little Flock City Attorney, among other involvements.

George was a member of Central United Methodist Church of Rogers for 43 years. During that time, he was highly involved in the ministry of the church. He served as the chairman of Church Council from 1996-1998, during which the church moved to its current location on New Hope Road. He again served on Church Council from 2000 until his passing. He taught Sunday school, Disciple Bible Study, Lay Servant Classes, and various other studies, including some for which he produced the material himself. He credits Disciple Bible Study with changing his religious life. His relationship with God grew by critically examining and studying the Bible.

The celebration of life service for George will be held in the sanctuary at Central United Methodist Church in Rogers at 11 a.m. on Jan. 11, 2025.

A time of visitation will occur the preceding evening from 6-8 p.m. on Jan. 10 in the church chapel. Arrangements are by Benton County Funeral Home of Rogers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Central United Methodist Church of Rogers or The Nature Conservancy.

Online condolences may be shared at www.benton countyfuneralhome.com.