Leroy Emery Rhoades

Leroy Emery Rhoades, 79, Valdosta resident since 1976, died Saturday, August 13, 2016, in Tallahassee, Florida after a brief illness. Leroy, who was born on November 28, 1936 in Ferndale, Florida, was the son of the late Emery Leroy Rhoades and Myrtle Record Rhoades. He grew up in Ferndale and went to work at an early age in the orange groves to help support the family. He joined the United States Air Force in April 1955. Soon after he joined the Air Force, he married the love of his life, Jean Creech. He served our country for 21 years, and was stationed in Okinawa, Vietnam, Germany, as well as other stateside bases, working as Parachute Rigger, Instructor, and Inspector. In 1976 Mr. Rhoades retired from duty while stationed at Moody Air Force Base. For the next 14 years, he worked for Levi Strauss, repairing and maintaining sewing machines until the closing of the plant in 1999. A member of the American Legion and the SGT's Association, Leroy was an avid and successful fisherman. He was a loving husband, proud father and grandfather, and a faithful member of Crossroads Baptist Church.
Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Jean Rhoades; daughter and son-in-law, Elaine and Steve Jernigan of Mary Ester, Florida; sons and daughter-in-law, David Rhoades, Mike and Deanne Rhoades of Valdosta, grandchildren, Michelle Jernigan, Brian Jernigan, Lauren Rhoades, step grandchild, Owen Eldridge; four great-grandchildren, Seth Morris, Kaylee Morris, Brandon and Caleb Jernigan; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Hadden, and Janice Daughtrey of Metter; brother, Russell Rhoades and Michiko of Hampton; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Minnie Hartsaw.
Funeral services for Mr. Rhoades will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Dr. Ken Alford will officiate. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602