Robert Wesley Rhodes

Robert Wesley Rhodes, 56, of Little Rock, Ark., took a step ahead, on Monday, August 25, 2014. Bob was born on September, 4, 1957 in Columbus, Georgia. He is survived by his wife Patti, his two children Wes and Annalee, his mother Virgina, his sister Carol Boone (Bubba), his in-laws, Bill and Ann Wilson, his nieces Erin Wood(Blaine), Adrianne Patterson, Blair Melton (Brandon) and nephews Will Wilson, Evan Wilson, his sister-in law, Laura Wilson-Prah (Glenn) and brother-in-law, Greg Wilson and his great-nephews Brody Melton and Devon Patterson. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Herman Rhodes, his sister, Cathy (Lolly) Rhodes and brother-in-law Bill Wilson Jr. He was blessed with a large extended family that was very close. His childhood was filled with sports, fishing, hunting and life's simple pleasures. Many weekends were spent at the "backwater" enjoying skiing, horseshoes, Pinochle, fish fries and the love of family. Bob excelled at sports and it was a Rhodes' family hobby to follow him on the fields. Highly recruited by Alabama, Tennessee, Tulane, LSU, Florida, Troy State, Missouri, Kentucky, Clemson and Ohio State he ultimately chose to become an Auburn Tiger, the school which was closest to home. After graduating from Auburn Bob moved to Houston and then relocated to Atlanta where he met Patti. They married in 1987. Bob loved his Alabama/Georgia roots but was willing to move with Patti to her home state of Arkansas in 1989. With their two children, Wes and Annalee, they enjoyed the fullness of life filled with family, friends, church, school activities and sports. Bob's personal relationship with Christ was evident in his daily life. He was a kind-spirited, humble, "put others first" guy. A man's man with a quick and dry wit that endeared him to others. "Dusty" bestowed and received many nicknames through the years. "Big Bob" prioritized his family and was happiest when grilling, with a game on and his family close by playing cards and visiting. "Snapper" loved hunting and spent many a weekend at Speer & Spur Rd. hunt clubs in south Arkansas. Annual turkey hunting trips to Kansas were "game-planned", successful and shared with "Cowboy's" special friends. "Bobby-too much" Rhodes enjoyed and excelled at several sports over the years but most recently focused on golf and racquetball. As a Shelter Insurance Agent for the past 16 years, Bob built wonderful relationships with his customers and associates. Bob was a member of Fellowship Bible Church where he served as an usher for 21 years. His spiritual gift was faith and that was so evident after his June 26 diagnosis. Our spirits were strengthened and numerous lives touched and changed by his unwavering desire to embrace his future. He said "please be happy for me" and amidst the grief of life without Bob, the peace that passes understanding has rested upon us. His faith, work ethic, preparedness, commitment to doing things the right way and treating others well will be his legacy. His frequent lesson to Wes and Annalee was to "think a step ahead". Leading us yet again, he took his heavenly step with courage and grace and we are so very proud and look forward to our reunion. A memorial celebrating Bob's life will be held at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock on Friday, August 29, 2014 at 11 .am. Arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home 13801 Chenal Parkway Little Rock, Arkansas (501) 224-8300. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Bob Rhodes to Shepard Center Foundation, 2020 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, Georgia 30309. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.