Thomas Merrill Rhodes, 67, of Panther Hill Road, Murphy, passed away peacefully Sunday March 21, 2021, in the Hospice Care Center of Chattanooga, Tenn., following an extended illness.
Thomas was born Nov. 29, 1953, in West Palm Beach, Fla., son of the late Fred Rhodes and Margie Davis.
Thomas dearly loved his family; they were his life.
He also had several dogs, Charlie Brown, Lucy and Flossie May, which he loved like children.
Thomas was an avid volunteer firefighter for Ranger Fire Department for more than 30 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Thomas attended MountainView Church of Murphy.
Survivors include his loving wife of 41 years, Susan Mariano-Rhodes of Murphy; daughter, Danielle and Jessica Rhodes of Toccoa, Ga.; two sisters, Linda and Michael Coyle of Acworth, Ga., and Carol and Steve Hughes of Powder Springs, Ga.; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Frank and Missy Mariano of Murphy; nieces and nephews, Joe and Anthony Mariano, Christopher and Patrick Hughes, Mardee Austin, Jaime Elvin, Jennifer Deetz and Ashton Coyle; and one grandchild, Olivia.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 22, from MountainView Church of Murphy with pastor Mike Crowe officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Logan’s Run Pet Rescue in Thomas’ memory.
Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville, Ga., is in charge of arrangements.
You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com.