Alvin Henry Rhodes

January 23, 1922 - December 21, 2009
Alvin Henry Rhodes

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Alvin Henry Rhodes, 87, of Hendersonville, NC, died Monday, December 21, 2009 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock.

Born in Akron, OH, he was the son of the late Reuben Rhodes and Dorothy Wycoff Petly Rhodes. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Tom Petly; daughter, Anita Rhodes; and grandson, Steven Easton.

A World War II Navy veteran, he served in the Pacific Theater as Seaman 1st Class and Gunners Mate. While serving on the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, he survived four Kamikaze attacks. He also engaged in combat action on the Marshal Islands, at Truk Lagoon, and during the Philippine Liberation.

He was employed for 36 years by Firestone Tire & Rubber Company. Alvin was loved and admired by all who knew him, and he will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Mary Rhodes of Hendersonville; his son, Brian Rhodes of Newport Richey, FL; his daughter, Deborah Barto and husband, Barry, of Monroe; granddaughters, Taylor Barto, and Tiffany Matthews and husband, John; and great-grandchildren, Ethan and MacKenzie Matthews, all of Monroe.

A memorial service will be held at 2 PM Saturday, January 16, 2010 at Mills River Seventh-day Adventist Church. Pastor Tom Hughes will officiate. Military Honors will be conducted by Hubert M. Smith American Legion Post 77, Hedrick-Rhodes Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5206, and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 14. A graveside service will be held at East Liberty Cemetery in Akron, Ohio, at a later date.


Memorial

Saturday, January 16, 2010
12:00 AM

Mills River Seventh-day Adventist Church - Directions
2142 Jeffress Road
Mills River, NC 28759

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  • December 22, 2009
    Evelyn (Asher) Macaulay says:
    Mary, I am so sorry to hear of Alvin's passing, but the Lord is soon to come and it won't be long until you are reunited. 55 yrs. is a long time to have been with someone and he was a wonderful person. I hope that you do well. Love you.

  • December 23, 2009
    Erik Ogren says:
    Deb and family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. God bless you, and know how much we all love you. Erik and Amber Ogren

  • December 23, 2009
    Brenda Evans Hayes says:
    Deb, Your dad was always so great! He let us play, stay up all night, bang on the piano for hours....was always there to encourage. He is now sleeping till Jesus comes. I think that day will be soon! Love you, brenda

  • January 01, 2010
    Keith & Suzanne Griffin says:
    Deb, We are so sorry about your Dad. We know this is a very difficult time already for you and are lifting you and your family up in prayer. We love you, Keith and Suzanne

  • January 14, 2010
    G.M.Freeman says:
    Mary- We remember you and Alvin from the SDA camping club. We were all younger then probably not thinking so much about the ultimate sorrow that waits all of us. May the Lord be the solace for you and family during these sad days.