WILLIAM RAY RHODES

Mr. William Ray Rhodes, age 83 passed away Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at the family residence with his wife of almost 60 years by his side as he entered life eternal.  Bill was born February 28, 1938 in the Corinth Community, the son of William Angus Rhodes  and Annie Lee Carroll Rhodes.  He attended Walton County Schools and graduated with Walton's Class of 1956.  Shortly after graduation Bill began working at King & Company, a Walton County landmark.  As the years passed he and Pauline Padgett were married in July of 1963 (just shy of 60 years now),  He also served a tour of duty with the Army National Guard for some 8 years in DeFuniak Springs.  All the while, continuing  his employment with King & Company.   Job offers came but Bill turned them all down; he had become a part of the King & Company family,  a job he held some 48 years.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing, he loved Westerns and American heros like John Wayne and Matt Dillon, he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and served him in churches in and around DeFuniak Springs in just about every capacity you could think of; deacon, choir director, Sunday school teacher, training union director, but Bill's love of the Lord showed most  in the way he loved and treated his fellow man.  This is probably the reason he was so successful at his job at King & Company, his genuine love of people. Bill never lost his love for God, his family and his country.  "Well done thy good and faithful servant".

He is predeceased by all of his siblings, Clydeus, Roy, Willard, Cleo and Nell and his brother-in-law Deacon.  Among survivors are his wife, Pauline Padgett Rhodes.  A slew of nieces and nephews, Adam, Greg, Jamie, Gail, Carol, Linda, Becky, Shelly, Kenny, Brenda, Robert also survive, along with countless folks all over this area that knew and loved Bill and called him friend.

Monday afternoon, December 27, 2021  at 1:00 P.M. in Magnolia Cemetery, Bill's family and friends are going to gather as Pastor Chris Carroll brings a message of hope and resurrection and family members share a few remembrances.  At the conclusion, the Argyle Volunteer Fire Department is going to perform the flag presentation for Bill's faithful service to his country.  All are invited to attend this open air, safe environment service.    Rather than flowers, memorials may be made in Bill Rhodes memory to the Argyle Volunteer Fire Department for the new building they are trying to construct.  Memorials may be sent to Argyle Volunteer Fire Department, 67 Fire Department Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435   Friends and family may go on line to view obituaries, offer condolences and sign the guest book at jerryevansfuneralhome@gmail.com.

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