Mr. Charles "Chili" Rhodes

June 4, 1948 - April 7, 2016

Reflection of Life A Time to be Born: Mr. Charles “Chili” Rhodes was born on June 4th, 1948 to the late Abraham and Mary Lou Rhodes in Savannah, Georgia. He was proceeded in death by both parents and his sister, Joy Rhodes. A Time to Live: Charles was educated in the Savannah-Chatham County School system. He was a proud graduate from the class of 1967 of Alfred Ely Beach High School. Charles was also a veteran of the Vietnam and Desert Storm Wars. He was a dedicated CDL driver after being honorably discharged from the US Army and National Guard. He was employed with Savannah Transit (now CAT Authority), United States Postal Service, Colonial Oil, and Kenan Transport. Charles loved to drive. He acquired many friends over his employment years. A time to Love: Charles was so charming that he had the chance to love twice. His first union with the late Eunice Pryor gifted 3 children. They are Charles Rhodes II, Evette Gibbs-Thomas, and Craig M. Rhodes. His second union was to Hattie Renee Erwin-Rhodes. From this union came Porsha Erwin and Lynell Rhodes. A time to Serve: Charles enlisted in the US Army in 1968. He served in the Vietnam War during this tour. After honorably discharging from the US Army in 1971, he became a soldier of the Georgia National Guard. He was a part of the 165th Supply Company. Under the direction of the GA National Guard, he was activated to serve in the Persian Gulf War. Charles was honorably discharged from the GA National Guard at the end of the Persian Gulf War in 1991. Charles was a steadfast and faithful member at St. Philip Monumental AME Church. Over many years, he had served as a Trustee, Sons of Allen member, Usher, Choir member, Lay Person, and additional driver for the church bus. Charles loved serving the church very much. Charles was also a dedicated member of the Mascots and a proud alumni of the Alfred Ely Beach Class of 1967. It gave him great joy to fellowship with his club members and classmates. He could always be counted on to carry out whatever deed was asked of him. A Time to Die: At daybreak on Thursday, April 7th, 2016, the Lord decided to call on one of his faithful servants. After a brief sickness, the Lord saw fit to relieve his servant, Charles, of duty. Charles was honorably discharged from the Lord’s army to rejoice and study war no more. A Time to Mourn: He leaves to cherish his bestfriend and wife, Hattie Renee Erwin-Rhodes; two sons – Charles Rhodes II and Craig M. Rhodes (Iris); three daughters – Evette Gibbs-Thomas, Porsha Erwin, and Lynell Rhodes; his siblings – Barbara Murdock, Abraham Rhodes, Carolyn Walls, and Johnny Rhodes (Ronnie). He also leaves in his memory seven grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.