Everett Ray Rhodes

Everett Ray Rhodes

Everett Ray Rhodes, 69, of Jackson, Mo., passed peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at Evelyn’s House Hospice Care with his wife by his side. 

He was born on Jan. 7, 1955, in Anna, the son of Billie L. and Connie Lucille Gibson Rhodes.

She graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and dedicated over 40 years to serving others as a physical therapy assistant at various hospitals and long-term care centers. He was highly regarded for his skill and friendly demeanor as a caregiver.

In 1982, he married his best friend and the love of his life. Everett and Sarah enjoyed 42 years of marriage and raising a family, which was his greatest joy. 

He had a robust love of the outdoors that he instilled in his sons, taking them hiking, camping, swimming and canoeing. Those pursuits continue to play a prominent role in each of their lives today. In recent years, Everett and Sarah became passionate travelers and enjoyed going on cruises with family and friends.

He was a Godly man and his Pentecostal faith served him well throughout his lifetime. He was a Christian in all aspects of being. 

His gentle kindness, patience and loving heart were apparent to all who knew him; he lived in the service of others – to his wife, his children, his parents, friends and patients. 

A lifelong gospel music lover, he touched many people with his singing in church services over the years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sarah Rhodes of Jackson, Mo.; three sons, Shannon and wife Melissa Rhodes of St. Louis, Mo., Kyle Rhodes of Durango, Colo., and Levi Rhodes of Asheville, N.C.; a brother, Stanley and wife Barbara Rhodes of Herrin; a niece, Tina and husband Frank Price of West Plains, Mo.; mother-in-law Judy Hillis, and father-in-law Bob Hillis, both of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; other extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Shane Rhodes. 

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna, with Bishop Thomas Suey officiating. Everett will be taken to his final resting place in the Alto Pass Cemetery. 

Friends may visit after 11 a.m. and until the service at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. 

Memorials can be made to the Kidney Cancer Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. 

To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com. 

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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