Thomas Ernest Rhodes

Thomas Ernest Rhodes, passed away at the age of 76 on October 9, 2025 at Advent Health Hospital in Orlando, FL. He was born on March 29, 1949 in Gainesville, FL to the late Mary Butler Rhodes and Ernest Chason Rhodes.

He was a graduate of Gainesville High School and earned his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Florida Law School. He was a practicing attorney in Orlando, FL. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1970-1972 and transferred to the Naval Reserves until 1975.

Tom was a proud, lifelong Florida Gator whose quick wit, infectious laugh, and great sense of humor could light up any room and made him a joy to be around. A voracious reader with an inquisitive, intelligent mind, Tom loved a good book and good conversation. He held a deep religious relationship with his Lord. Above all else, he loved his friends and family and cherished memories of spending childhood summers at Lake Geneva, FL. He was a devoted son, brother and uncle and had a special place in his heart for his cat, Eliot, his loyal companion and constant source of comfort and laughter. His warmth, humor and big heart left an impression on everyone who knew him, and his love for family and for life will be remembered always.

He is survived by his sister, Camille Rhodes Gruman (Bill) of Hickory, NC; nephews Jon Robert Moore (Amanda) of Columbia, SC; Michael Charles Gruman (Kristin) of Raleigh, NC; nieces Kristy Moore Lewis (Paul) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; Kim Gruman Burchfield (Andy) of Marietta, GA; grandniece Alison Nicole Moore of Columbia, SC; grandnephews Benjamin Chason Lewis of Mt. Pleasant, SC; William Price Burchfield and Wade Chason Burchfield of Marietta, GA. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by sister Marianne Rhodes Lybrand, brother-in-law Curtis Wilson Lybrand. Jr., grandnephew Jacob Alexander Lewis and brother-in-law, First Lt. Leslie E. Rembert.

A receiving will be held at Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home in Orlando on October 19, 2025 from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm followed by a service in the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice or the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60601-7633.