Jerry Van Rhodes, 83, of Tenaha, Texas, passed away December 12, 2016, in Center, Texas.  Visitation will be held from 12:30 PM until service time on Wednesday December 14, 2016 at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church, Timpson, Texas.  Services wil begin at 2PM with Bro. Levi Cohorst officiating.  Interment to follow at Old Home Cemetery, Shelby County, Texas.

 

Born June 11, 1933, in Shelby County, Texas, on the family farm.  Jerry Van Rhodes  was the son of the late Ben Sam  and Hettie Obera (Hall) Rhodes.  After graduating from Timpson High School, he continued to work until he enlisted into the United States Army in September of 1953.  He spent most of his military days cooking in San Antonio, Texas.  Following his time spent in the militatry, Jerry was employed with Trailmobile as a pipe fitter. Jerry then met the love of his life, the late Nancy Faye Rhodes, whom he spent over 43 years with until her passing.  Jerry retired from Trailmobile and began his second of many careers at Tyson Foods.  He decided to retire and rehire at Tyson Foods and finally retired at the age of 72.  Jerry could fix anything.  He was able to tear apart anything then put it back together again.  He was considered by his family a very resourceful man.  Jerry found great joy in travelling to Center every Friday for his McDouble and soda for a whopping $1.47.  Everyday he travelled to Center at least once, never missing the opportunity to see his daughter, Betty, who also worked in Center.  Jerry had a special pommeranian pet friend, Rascal who will definitely miss him.   He was a member of Timpson Missionary Baptist Church and loved his church and church family.

 

Survivors include his daughter, Betty Cook and fiance Kenneth Hart of Center, Texas; brothers, John Wallace Rhodes and wife Mary Lou of Dayton, Texas, Ben Sam Rhodes Jr. and wife Linda Sue of DeQueen Arkansas; sister, Faylene Rhodes Connell of Galena Park, Texas; sister-in-law, Flora Rudd; nieces, Donna Anderson and husband David of Marshall, Texas, Dana Richardson and husband Paul of Tenaha, Texas; great nieces, Christina Patterson, Emily Richardson, Katherine Anderson;  and a host of family and friends that will miss him dearly.

 

In addition to his parents, Jerry Van Rhodes was preceded in death by is wife, Nancy Faye Rhodes, and sister Martha Jo Rhodes.

 

To convey condolences online please visit www.taylorfh.net.  Taylor Funeral Home, 511 Ross Graves Dr., Timpson, TX 75975, is in charge of arrangements.