Sam O. Rhodes, Jr., 82, of Muncie, IN, went to be with the Lord after a brief battle with cancer on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at Ball Memorial Hospital. He was born on September 4, 1927 in Lawrence County, TN to the late Sam O. and Vernon S. (Matthews) Rhodes. Sam lived in TN & AL before coming to Muncie. On April 9, 1948 he married his love, Lola B. Slaven in Muncie.
Sam was employed with Borg Warner Automotive for 38 years as a head tow motor driver. He retired in 1981. Afterwards, he was employed at N.G. Gilbert for 10 years and then for Oak Motors for 6 years. He attended Full Gospel Temple Church. He was an avid sportsman whom hunted in many states, including, MI, TN, KY, AL, IN, WY, MN and also in Canada. He loved to hunt and fish; was a National Champion Compound Bow hunter; he flew competition pigeons for Birmingham Roller Fly Club; he was also a member of such club; he was a Golden Gloves Boxer; and was a pilot at one time.
Sam is survived by his loving children: Allan L. Rhodes (wife, Rita) of Muncie; Tony Rhodes (wife, Daphne) of Muncie; and Brenda Thomas of Bluffton, IN; beloved brother Jesse Rhodes (wife, Wanda) of Muncie; wonderful sister-in-law Roberta Rhodes of Geneva, IN; 9 grandchildren: Rich Thomas (wife, Tammy); Michael Thomas (wife, the late Kerry); Tony West; Nancy Green (husband, Jim); Bethany Baker (husband, Chris); Sam Allen Rhodes (wife, Cindy); Dusty Rhodes (wife, Justina); Shannon Burris (wife, Amanda); and Shawn Burris (wife, Brandie); 21 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great granddaughters; and several loving cousins, nieces, and nephews; and his beloved furry-child Mister.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents; wife, love of his life, and best friend, Lola of 56 years; loving daughter Cheryl Lynn Stenclik; sisters Sybil Smith and Oreta Van Buskirk; and brothers Lelton Rocky'' Rhodes, Cecil Neal Rhodes, Fritz Strauch, and Erie Strauch.
Visitation will be on Friday, May 14, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Garden View Funeral Home, 10501 N. State Rd. 3, Muncie. The funeral service will be on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Kevin Whittenburg officiating and special words from Pastors Denny Helton and John Helton. Burial will be in Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society. If you would like to sign the online guest book and send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.gardenviewandgardensofmemory.com.