Joseph Joe Earl Rhodes

Joseph Earl Rhodes, a true Southern Gentlemen, went home to be with his Lord in the early morning hours of Monday, July 16th. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, July 19, in the chapel of Cotten Funeral Home in New Bern . Visitation will be from 6 to 7:30 P.M., Wednesday at Cotten Funeral Home.

He was born in Columbia , North Carolina on August 6th 1929. In a working life that spanned over 50 years, he was employed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation and Weyerhaeuser Corporation. He was a member of the Sherwood Forest FWB Church . He was a long time member of the Masonic Order with local membership in the Doric Lodge of New Bern. Joe was appointed an Honorary Colonel in the Tennessee National Guard, and Aide-de-Camp to the Governor. Joe loved fishing, visiting with friends, and dancing. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Ange Rhodes; his mother, Louvenia Swain Rhodes and sister, Mildred Rhodes Bateman.

He is survived by children, Rick D. Rhodes and wife Reita of Emerald Isle, formerly of Washington , DC ; Betty Jo Leonard and husband, Retired Chief Jerry Leonard of Newport ; Timothy Earl Rhodes of New Bern and granddaughter Sarah Griffin Rhodes; as well as devoted special friend Eleanor Roberts.

Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to the Lake Waccamaw Boys and Girls Home, 400 Flemington Drive, Lake Waccamaw , NC 28450.