Rickie "Big Rick" Rhodes

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of

Rickie E. Rhodes

Sunrise: July 9, 1958 

Sunset: June 19, 2025

Rickie E. Rhodes, affectionately known as Big Rick! Loved by so many, was born on July 9, 1958, to Clysta and Thomas Rhodes/William Wheeler in Louisville, Kentucky. Raised on Standard Avenue, he grew up surrounded by strong family values and faith, attending Pleasant View Baptist Church, where his spiritual foundation was laid.

A proud graduate Louisville, Central High School Rickie was a gifted athlete. He went on to play football on the colligate level at Eastern Kentucky University, where he proudly helped lead his team to a national championship in 1979. That victory remained one of his proudest accomplishments—and one of his favorite stories to tell in 2009, he became an EKU Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee!

Rickie was truly one of a kind. He spoke the truth, even when it wasn’t easy. He loved hard, never met a stranger, and made genuine connections everywhere he went. His infectious laugh will echo in our ears forever. He had a big heart and opened his doors to anyone who needed a place to feel at home! Rick left a lasting mark on everyone he came across.

Rickie was an avid fisherman and loved everything fish related from an aquarium, local creek, river or ocean and even a pond in his own back yard! Rickie was a grill master and a lifelong lover of model cars, and toy figurines. Funk music was the soundtrack to his soul, and his presence brought rhythm and joy to every room he entered. He was a proud plant and garden enthusiast, and whether working in the yard, hosting a cookout, or simply listening to his favorite music in his basement sanctuary, Rickie brought joy to life’s everyday moments. He was a gentle giant—both literally and figuratively—with a heart just as big as his presence.

Rickie carried with him a magnetic presence that drew people in (THAT CHARM) as he called it.

Rickie’s legacy of love continues through his devoted “ride or die” wife, Wanda Rhodes, and his most loved children: Rickie Boller (Nicohle), Jameon Rhodes, and Jayda Rhodes.

He was a very proud grandfather and leaves behind his granddaughters; Haylei Rhodes, Jaymi Rhodes, Deandra Langley Sydnei Rhodes, Khali Boller, Kimille Boller and Nani Rhodes, bonus granddaughter, Journee Chandler; grandsons; Jameon Rhodes Jr. and Cruz Dai Rhodes. He was a proud uncle and father figure to many, especially his nephew/son Rod Boller (Desiree). Rickie is also survived by his brother Joshua Rhodes and sisters Gwen English and Clysta “Peggy” Battle.

His legacy is one of truth, strength, compassion, and joy. He leaves behind countless memories, laughter-filled stories, and a family who will cherish him always. Though his earthly journey has ended, his spirit will live on in the lives he touched.

And His Soul now with Jesus!

“To know Rickie, means that you have experienced something different, he was his own man who stood on what he believed, if he laughed with you, he loved you and he truly appreciated everyone who came into his life.

He gave us all a piece of his heart—and that’s a gift we will carry forever.”

He went on to be with the Lord full of Love, Joy and Peace, but the greatest of these was LOVE!

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, Southwest Louisville Chapel, 10304 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY, from 10:30am-12:30pm with a celebration of Rickie's life beginning at 12:30pm.

Rickie will be laid to rest at Green Meadows Cemetery, 3800 Shanks Lane, Louisville, KY.