Virgil Olane Rhodes

Virgil Olane Rhodes, 81, of Burnsville, Mississippi, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in his home. Virgil had a very accomplished 16-year career in the United States Army, during which time he became an E6 Sergeant, served in Korea and Vietnam, and earned a Master’s in Mechanics. After being discharged, he took on many roles, such as working with TVA at Yellow Creek and Bellefonte, trucking with Mayflower and Shelton Trucking, being self employed using a backhoe and dozer with Johnny Gillmore, and running a rural route with the Post Office in Tupelo until retirement. Virgil’s dedication to serving was not limited to his time in the military, as he was also very active in his community. He was a very avid supporter of Tishomingo County Schools and their sports. From 1981 until 1991, he was president of the Booster Club and also spent time on the school board, being instrumental to the consolidation of the schools. He was a devoted member of Rowland Mills Missionary Baptist Church, where he took over the position of treasurer after his wife, Eula Mae. He was known for his kindness and love for children, always keeping a dollar on hand to give any kids he came across. In his free time, Virgil enjoyed fishing, bowling, gospel singing, RV camping to state parks, and watching high school sports. He loved food and would often sneak snacks behind his wife’s back while on his mail route. Virgil loved his family. Every moment spent with them was held close to his heart, and his grandson, Grayson, could light up his mood just by walking through the door. Virgil is survived by his sons, Tim Rhodes (Emma) and Jamie Rhodes (Jill); his grandchildren, Brittany Thomas (Mason), Nathan Barnes, and Grayson Rhodes; his great-grandchild, Scarlett Thomas; his siblings, Betty Childs of Etta, MS, Jo Moore of Versailles, IN, Faye Clowers (Dean) of Lake Wales, FL, and Vera Jones (Rick) of Knoxville, TN; his brother-in-law, Tom Herron of Osgood, IN; his nieces and nephews, Sam, Rita, Robert, Rhonda, Tisha, Raymond, Johnny, Nathaniel, Lainie, William, Tammy, Patty, Sandra, Joey, Melissa, Natalie, and Eric; and a host of other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Eula Mae Rhodes; his mother, Violet F. Tallman; his father, Sam Virgil Rhodes; his siblings, Marilyn Hancock Huntington and Carolyn Herron; and his niece, Paula Dean Hancock. Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Rowland Mills Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Bro. Franky Smith. Interment will be in Rowland Mills Cemetery. Pallbearers include Grayson Rhodes, Mike Nash, Alan Nash, Robert Childs, Bubba Lowery, and William Clowers. Honorary pallbearers include Tim Nash, Gerald Glidewell, Stanley Magill, Lamar Skinner, Mikey Shea, Mack Lowery, Sid Whitehurst, Jr., and Sid Whitehurst, Sr. Memorials may be made in Virgil’s honor to the Rowland Mills Cemetery Fund. An online guestbook may be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.