Lewers Maurice "Buddy" Rhodes, 94, of Arkabutla, MS passed away Sunday, February 9, 2025. He was an enthusiastic ham radio operator and enjoyed talking to people from all over the world. He loved bird hunting and fishing with his Uncle J.R. He was very involved in the ministries of Arkabutla Baptist Church where he was an active deacon for many years. Buddy served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict where he worked in demolition, including clearing mine fields, and earned a bronze star merit award while rising to rank of Sergeant First Class. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy June "Dody" Rhodes; parents, William Henry and Elliott Lea Rhodes; sister, Sarah Lea Thomas, and brother, William Henry "Bill" Rhodes, Jr. He is survived by his daughters, Peggy Branan, Shirley Willard, and Cathy Bradley (Mark); sister in law, Vivian Rhodes, grandchildren, Cory Branan, Jonie Swanson, Jenny McIver (David), Katie Strawn (Jeff), Carrie Williams (Terry), Daniel Branan, Anthony Bradley (Ashley), and Hunter Bradley; great grandchildren, Kaylee Mabry (Chase), Avery McIver, Valerie Williams, Caleb Strawn, Jacob Swanson, Addison McIver, Avery Williams, Lauren Moore (Asa), Carter Williams, Noah Swanson, Lillie Strawn, Mason Bradley, Jane Branan, Clemens Branan, and Olivia Bradley; great-great grandchildren, Cullen Mabry and Brooks Mabry. Services were held Sunday, February 16, 2025 in the chapel of Pate-Jones Funeral Home. Burial followed at Evansville Cemetery.
