Johnny Rhode

Johnny Rhode

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10.

             Mr. Johnny Rhode Sr. was born on August 10, 1947, in West Point, New York. He was the eldest child of Naomi Harris and the late John Rhode. On September 11, 2022, he peacefully went home to his heavenly father for eternal life.

Mr. Rhode was educated in the District of Columbia school district, splitting his time between Washington, DC and Saluda, SC where he planted roots and met his wife, Esther Rhode spending 37 blessed years together. He enjoyed being outdoors and participating in activities such as fishing, raising birds where he competed nationally ranking in the top 50, traveling with family and working in the yard. Johnny was a member of the US Army serving his country in the Vietnam War. Johnny loved the Lord and dedicated his life to Christ. He was a faithful member of Lockhart Baptist Church in Saluda, SC, where he served as a deacon, choir member and was on the Pastor’s Aide committee. Johnny was a giving person who loved his family and friends dearly.

He leaves to cherish and honor his memory: his mother Naomi Harris of Greenwood, SC, his wife, Esther Rhode of Greenwood, SC, his six children, Tanya Gist of Washington, DC, Mike (Darlene) Rhode of Greenwood, SC, Nalango (Brian) Tunson of Bowie, MD, Milango (Brian) Bowman of Camp Springs, MD, Johnny (Gina) Rhode of Inman, SC, Brittany Rhode of Spartanburg, SC; one godson, Mitchell (Chasity) Graham of Columbia, SC; ten grandchildren, Deon (Felicity) Rhode, Latanya Gist, Carolyn Gist, Keandria (Brandon) Elliott, H’enri Rhode, Dontrell (Arielle) Hopkins, David Richards, Brandon Tunson, Jayden Rhode and Kaidyn Rhode; four great-grandchildren, Zoey Rhode, Deon Rhode II, Raegan Hopkins and Kason Hopkins, five brothers, James (Sandy) Rhode, Jessie (Deborah) Rhode, Jeffery Rhode, Johnathan Rhode, and Joseph (Audrey) Rhode, one brother in law, Onemos (Gerdene) Graham; two aunts, Mary Bates, Sophronia Chappelle; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

A Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m. Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Lockhart Baptist Church conducted by the pastor Reverend Herman Jenkins with other assisting. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The body will be placed in the church at 10 a.m.

Viewing will be 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. for family and public 12-6 p.m Friday at the funeral home.

The family is at the home.

As this family go through their hour of bereavement, please include them in your prayers.

Please be mindfully, wear a mask and practice social distancing as much as possible.

Butler and Sons Funeral Home is assisting the Rhode Family.

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