Ronald Al Rhodes, 81, of Brownwood, Texas passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at his home. A graveside service will be held for Ronnie at the Rhodes Cemetery, 1200 N. Cockrell Hill Rd, DeSoto, TX on Tuesday, November 5th at 1 P.M.
Ronald was born to Al Isaac and Mary Lois (Davis) Rhodes in Florence Nightingale Hospital, in Dallas, Texas. As a child, Ronnie spent lots of time at his grandparents’ farms in Lancaster and Cedar Hill enjoying hunting and the outdoors and his passion for hunting continued with him until his last days. During his high school years, Ronnie was an outstanding athlete and football player on offense and defense at Sunset High School. He became a skilled dove, quail, duck and deer hunter & skeet and trap shooter. He accumulated multiple awards for hitting as many as 500 targets straight and winning tournaments in skeet shooting. Like his Grandma Davis, Ronnie was a talented artist and whittled and painted amazing ducks from different types of wood. Friends and families were awed by his craftsmanship! When not working, hunting or shooting skeet, Ronnie also enjoyed watching football. He was a big fan of the universities his daughter’s graduated from Baylor and Texas A&M. In his twenties, Ronnie owned a Shell gas station for several years. Ronald married Sharon Johnson on January 6, 1961 in Dallas. They were blessed with three children and they were happily married until her passing in 2004. Later he founded a landscaping business in North Dallas with his dad and son, Troy, operating for over 30 years. His customers loved him because of his great personality and because he ‘did things right.’ He was also a welder for Marshall E. Moody Display company for over 30 years. He designed and built many department store displays, including the base for the grand chandelier at NorthPark Mall’s opening in the 70’s. Ronald married Brenda Cross in 2006 and they shared a wonderful life until his passing. He was raised Church of Christ throughout childhood, and he and Brenda are members at Grosvenor Baptist Church near their home in Brownwood, Texas.
Ronald is survived by his wife, Brenda Rhodes of Brownwood; his children, Troy Rhodes and wife Katie of Brownwood, Denise Rhodes of Waco, Rhonda Hillner and husband Jason of Dallas; his grandchildren, Shelby Rhodes of Brownwood; Ethan Rhodes and wife, Tristyn of Early; Lauren, Lindsey, Landry and Ryan Hillner of Dallas; his great grandson, Lucas Harlow of Brownwood; his stepsons, Gary and Terry Cross along with several cousins and nephews, nieces and friends.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Lois Rhodes; his first wife Sharon Rhodes; and two older sisters, Rua Kay Rhodes and Tracy Demma.
Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net
