Danny Thomas Rhodes Sr.

Danny was born May 4, 1950, in Charlotte, NC to John and Edith Rhodes.

Danny's life began with his upbringing in Charlotte, NC. At the age of 25, he left his home state for New Mexico where he realized his life's calling to 'yell at cattle and become a cowboy’. Following his stint running a 30,000 acre ranch, he decided to take his herding talents elsewhere and become a truck driver - he went from yelling at cows to running Peterbilts for over 30 years.

Affectionately known by family and friends as “Big Danny”, he was an avid hunter and fisherman with a passion for the outdoors and wildlife. He enjoyed boating and fishing at the local rivers, but deep sea had his heart. He could talk for hours about what you were doing wrong so he could make it right- it always started with “Now listen, this is what you need to do” with his eyes looking over the top of his glasses.

Danny’s enthusiasm for hunting carried over into his cooking, and boy could you taste the love in every bite. There wasn’t a dish he didn’t have a recipe for and not one he couldn’t recite in a heartbeat. Nothing was written down. He always said “ why do I need to write it down when it’s right here in my head”.

Although a cowboy, trucker, hunter and chef, one of his prized roles was that of a father and grandparent. Danny was father to his eldest son, Scott Rhodes, followed by the surprise twins, Donna Rhodes Rahn and Danny Rhodes Jr. whom he shared with the late Phyllis B. Rhodes.

While he taught his children everything he knew: from how to change a tire to casting a reel, his greatest joy in life was the birth of his grandchildren, Christopher & Elizabeth (Annie Mae), to whom he could impart all of his wisdom that his children seemed to ignore.

“Big Danny” had a life-time love affair with moonshine, pall malls, his recliner, westerns and the History Channel. There wasn’t a topic he didn’t have a conversation or story to follow with. We’re going to miss hearing the stories from his mouth, but will make sure to tell them for many years to come.

Danny was a spiritual man who was certain of what waited for him when our Heavenly Father called him home. He made it clear that he did not want his family and friends to mourn his physical body, but to celebrate his soul crossing over to those waiting. As he said “It’s been one hell of a party. Just tell ‘em’ I’ve gone fishin”.

Danny is survived by life partner, Jackie Crawley; a brother, Michael Nesbit; two sons, Scott Rhodes and Danny Rhodes; a daughter, Donna Rahn; two grandchildren, Christopher Rahn and Elizabeth Rahn; and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by parents, John and Edith Rhodes; and brother, Grady Rhodes.

Graveside services will take place Friday, November 18, 2022 at 11am at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park, 7315 Pleasant Grove Road, Charlotte, NC 28216.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Rhodes family.