James Roland Rhodes, Jr.

James Roland Rhodes, Jr., age 70, of Ridgeland, SC passed away at home Wednesday, March 24, 2010. He was born May 18, 1939 in Garnett, SC, the son of Edith Phillips Rhodes and the late James Roland Rhodes, Sr.Mr. Rhodes graduated Ridgeland High School in 1957. He lived briefly in Columbia, SC and worked with the SC Tax Commission as well as State Farm insurance. After graduating the Louisiana School of Banking, he returned in 1970 to Ridgeland and became manager and vice-president of First National Bank. He continued in this position when SC Bank and Trust acquired First National Bank, retiring as Senior Vice-President in 2004.Mr. Rhodes was a lifelong member of Ridgeland Baptist Church and a member of The Anglers Sunday School class. In earlier years, he coached many youth in Little League and Dixie League baseball. He was an avid golfer, a faithful USC Gamecock fan for 45 years. His deep love for his community was evidenced through his work on the Jasper County Development Board and the State Development Board. He was a member of Jasper County Rotary Club, past president of the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Ridgeland Business Association and a member of the SC Bankers Association. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #98 in Ridgeland. In 1992, he was presented the Sergeant Jasper Award by the Chamber of Commerce which honors members of the community for outstanding service to the enrichment of life in Jasper County.Mr. Rhodes was a true inspiration to family and friends as he courageously battled a long illness of cancer. He was a most loving husband, father and grandfather who exhibited to his family a strong faith in God. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.Mr. Rhodes is survived by his wife of 44 years, Melinda McTeer Rhodes, a devoted daughter, Melinda McTeer Rhodes; son and daughter in law, James (Jim) Roland Rhodes, III and Rebecca Folline Rhodes, all of Columbia, SC; beloved grandchildren, Mary Deas Rhodes and James Roland Rhodes, IV; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Thomas (Ann) Rhodes and Philip (Cindy) Rhodes, all of Ridgeland, SC and many nieces and nephews.The family would like to thank Dr. George Geils, Jr. and his staff in Charleston as well as Island Hospice Group for their support and care.A celebration of his life will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, March 27, 2010 at The Ridgeland Baptist Church, 1448 Grays Hwy., Ridgeland SC with Rev. Dr. Carl Poole and Rev. John Huckaby officiating. Interment will follow in Ridgeland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 pm, Friday, March 26, 2010 at Sauls Funeral Home, 310 W. Adams Ave., Ridgeland, SC. Memorials may be made to The Ridgeland Baptist Church, 1448 Grays Hwy., Ridgeland, SC 29936 or the Ridgeland Cemetery Fund, PO Box 1630, Ridgeland, SC 29936. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.saulsfh.com.Sauls Funeral Home of Ridgeland is assisting the family with their arrangements. (saulsfh.com)