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Thomas Rhodes Obituary
Tommy was a member of First Baptist Church and served in the United States Army. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Rush and Ruby Rhodes, and his brother, Russell. He is survived by his children, Michael and wife Beth, Christopher and wife Sandi, and Marianne and husband Christopher Andrews (Chester, Va.) Also surviving are Poppy's eight grandchildren, whom he loved dearly: Lysie, Isabella and Noelle Andrews, Lexie, Thomas and Nathan Rhodes, and Nikki and Brooke Fuhrey. In addition he leaves behind his brothers, Joe, David, Jerry and Lynwood; and sisters, Hazel Weathers, Myrtha Cox, and Linda Smith.
In honoring Tommy's request, there will be no visitation or service. A celebration of Tommy's life will be held on his birthday, Tuesday, December 29 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Friendship Retirement Community Resident's Center at the corner of Florist and Hershberger Roads, Roanoke, Va. Cremation arrangements are being handled by Oakey's North Chapel. Memorial contributions are not necessary; however those who so desire may make them to the Virginia Veterans Care Center, 1 East Unit, 4550 Shenandoah Avenue, Roanoke, Va., 24017. Linda wishes to express her heartfelt gratitude for the amazing love and care they provided for Tommy over the past eight months. The staff there has truly been
"angels among us, sent down to us, from somewhere up above."
Thanks are also expressed to the many people who have been involved with Tommy's care for the past eight years and for the love and support extended to Linda as his caregiver. Special thanks to Linda's sisters, Brenda (Larry) Wood and Peggie Webb, Tommy's sister, Linda Smith, to Tommy's home caregiver, Latoya Davis, to Ronnie (Judy) Atkins who never let the grass get tall, and Linda's work family at Lewis-Gale Medical Center, especially Kathy Cole and Brenda Shepherd, for their unending compassion over the past many years.
JOHN 11:25 NKJ 25
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." May we all comfort one another with these words.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Rhodes
January 8, 2010
Linda
What can I say? You have stood by Tom's side since day one, something a lot of people would not have done. Being his sister, I have memories of him prior to and during your marriage, those will be the ones I hold dear and the eye opening for me at the VVCC. We both know he is in a much better place than we are and we will see him one day soon. Hold the special memories in your heart for as long as they are there, he is also.
Linda - S-I-L
Peg Mathews
January 3, 2010
Dear Linda,
Jude told me about Tommy. We know he is in a much better place .. even though it is hard to let him go. I was hoping to see you while we were at Jude's, but now know why you didn't get by. If I can do anything to help you at this time, please let me know. You are in my prayers daily & I hope to see you soon.
Joyce Ballinger (VVCC bus off.)
December 30, 2009
Dear Linda,
So sorry to hear about Tommy. I have been keeping up with the two of you since I read the article in the Roanoke Times. I thought it was so heartfelt and know your love for each other was God given. And then when I found out he was coming to us at the VVCC I was so happy for the both of you. Knowing we could help you take care of him and also help you. He is now with God and not in any pain from this world. May God bring you relief during this time. We have so much enjoyed seeing your smiling face each day when you would come to VVCC and spend your quality time with Tommy. May God bless you and your family.
Beth McDonald
December 29, 2009
Linda,I found out today that your husband has passed away. So sorry for your lost.
December 29, 2009
Dear Linda,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I know he is in heaven celebrating his true Birtday . We are praying for you . Larry and Linda Pulz
Marie Wicker
December 29, 2009
To Tommy's family,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your beloved family member and friend to all.
I have a copy of the story about Tommy that was published in the Roanoke Times in 2008. I have kept up with his struggle; thanks to his sister Hazel, who is a very special e-mail friend.
When you have all shared so much it's hard to say goodbye, but may your strong faith in God bring you peace and closure in your loss.
Love and Prayers,
Marie Wicker
MARY PROPHET
December 29, 2009
LYNWOOD,OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DURING THIS SAD TIME.
Bettie Hale
December 28, 2009
Linda - I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am for the long struggle and death of your beloved husband. You have truly expressed true love in your care for him through these past years. You have our prayers and pray the days ahead will bring God's comfort to you and your family. Sincerely - Bettie Hale
Connie Welch
December 28, 2009
Mrs. Rhodes,
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear husband.
I followed your story through the Roanoke Times in 2008. It really helped to know that someone else was going through the same thing we were.
I lost my mother in June of this year. Thankfully, she is no longer suffering.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Connie Welch, Hardy, VA
Ann Rozier
December 28, 2009
Linda and Family:
I have followed your journey and know some of the anguish and trials you have conquered. God Bless you and Keep you through yet another. I know the love and support of family and friends and the wonderful memories will sustain you. Peggie's friends, Charlie and Ann
December 27, 2009
Mrs. Rhodes,
You do not know me but I have followed your story. You are a very special lady! I am sorry for your loss. I know what you are going through. I was the care giver for my Mom for 5+ years through her Alzheimers/Dementia.May God bless & comfort you in the coming days & months ahead
God Bless
Penny Graham Moneta, Va
Hazel Weathers
December 27, 2009
Linda:
With sadness I read Tommy's obituary and was again reminded that life is short and not always kind.
With gladness I read of the many years you had together to support each other with love and happiness.
With best wishes I will think of you often as you continue your journey through life, bolstered by the loving memories that will keep Tommy near and dear.
Thank you for taking care of him so well.
May God Bless.
Allen & Doris Rhodes
December 27, 2009
Linda: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Your strength and love should be an inspiration to others. May God be with you in the days ahead.Sorry we won't be there for the memorial. You both are very special to us.
Helen Klein
December 27, 2009
Linda, I am sorry to hear about Tommy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bev Bridges
December 27, 2009
Mrs. Rhodes, May God Bless you for all that you have done. I have walked in your shoes, and know how hard it was for you. You have to be a strong person to survive all that you have gone through, and you have to have a strong faith, because you really do get tested. You passed the test with flying colors. I hope that you find peace in your life now, and are able to remember that happier times. I look at photo albumns frequently, and remember the good times we had, and that is what gets me through the day . God Bless YOU
Wilma Calhoun
December 27, 2009
Linda
I am so sorry to hear about Tommy. I never knew him, but I remember how your face use to light up when you talked about him. I worked at Lewis Gale Clinic, Valley View when you were in the Xray department and you went on to bigger and greater things. I lost my husband in 2005 and I have since remarried, to my high school sweetheart and live in Georgia and Kentucky. I remember how kind you were to my daughter, Rebecca when she was getting married and how you helped me plan for the reception. It meant so much to both of us. My mom has dementia and is in a nursing home in Beckley, WV. My prayers are with you and your family. I was Wilma McKinney, but I am now.....
Wilma Calhoun
Carole Breedlove
December 27, 2009
Mrs. Rhodes,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, I do not know you or Mr. Rhodes personally but read your story a few years back in the Roanoke Times and thought what a lovely story of how you met and your struggles with his illness. He is now in a better place but I know you will miss him. You had a true love story.
December 27, 2009
Ms. Rhodes,
I happened to be thinking of you yesterday as I was cleaning my backdoor. I remembered you used yours as a chalkboard.
We talked some time ago. You have continually been in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you for your strength as I am there myself being a caregiver.
May the Lord be with you during this sad time
Denise Bryant
Denise Bryant
December 27, 2009
Ms. Rhodes,
I happened to be thinking of you yesterday as I was cleaning my backdoor. I remembered you used yours as a chalkboard.
We talked some time ago. You have continually been in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you for your strength as I am there myself being a caregiver.
May the Lord be with you during this sad time
Denise Bryant
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