John "Philip" Rhodes, Sr.

John “Philip” Rhodes, senior - husband, father, brother, grandaddy, friend, and most affectionately known as “Coach”, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 8, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

He was predeceased by his parents Edith Phillips and James Roland Rhodes, senior and his oldest brother, James Roland Rhodes, junior.

Born on November 30, 1948, he spent almost his entire life in Ridgeland, SC. Philip was a lifelong member of Ridgeland Baptist Church where he served several terms as deacon and served on other various committees. A graduate of Ridgeland High School in the year of 1967, he went on to Georgia Southern University where he met the love of his life, Cindy. After college graduation in 1971, he served in the Naval Reserves while establishing his business, Rhodes Tile & Marble.

In 2001, Philip pursued his true life’s work. His purpose, and his favorite work, was truly the work he spent with the youth of the Lowcountry through many coaching and teaching roles - this was his real passion and where he was most fulfilled.  While this filled him, he filled others. Many students and athletes have shared that he changed their lives, that he gave them confidence, that he believed in them and helped them realize their own potential.

He was a jokester, but a firm hand, an authoritarian, but also a gentle soul - a man of great character who through sports and shared life lessons, successfully conveyed this coveted quality to so many. A good coach is positive, enthusiastic, supportive, trusting, focused, goal-oriented, knowledgeable, observant, respectful, patient, and a clear communicator. Philip was all these things, and more. His mark has been left on this world and hopefully his legacy will live on through every life he touched.

Outside of coaching, his abundant devotion was to his family. Philip is survived by his loving wife of fifty-one years, Cindy Massey Rhodes, his devoted sons John Philip Rhodes, junior (Ashley) and Justin Marshall Rhodes (Kimberly), three beloved grandsons, Anthony Konnor Harrell, John Philip “Jack” Rhodes, III and Marshall McGill Rhodes, his brother and best friend, Thomas Hamilton “Tommy” Rhodes (Ann) and sister-in-law, Melinda McTeer Rhodes and many nieces and nephews.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and recalling his sense of humor will bring smiles to our faces and comfort to our hearts. His was truly a life well lived.

A celebration of his life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Ridgeland Baptist Church, 1448 Grays Hwy., Ridgeland, SC, with the Dr. Larry Scott officiating. The family will receive friends and family from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at Ridgeland Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Ridgeland Baptist Church, 1448 Grays Hwy., Ridgeland, SC 29936.

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