Gordon Rhoden Obituary

Gordon Rhoden, Sr. VARNVILLE, SC - Mr. Gordon L. Rhoden, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home in Varnville on Tuesday morning, November 25, 2025, after a period of declining health following the death of his beloved wife, Brenda Gail Rice Rhoden, in March of this year. Their marriage was an example of true love and companionship, and her loss was more than he could bear. He was 77. Gordon was born in Walterboro, SC, on October 8, 1948, a son of the late John Benjamin "J.B." Rhoden, Sr. and the late Clara Lee Kinard Rhoden. He grew up in a wonderful home with caring parents who instilled in him the value of hard work and service to others. He worked on the family farm, and as a teenager became employed at Winn-Dixie. He would often reflect on how the boys had to be dressed properly and were expected to perform their duties with respect and manners at all times. He attended Doctor's Creek Baptist Church just down the road from his home. After graduating from Walterboro High School, Gordon developed a desire to work in the funeral business. Mr. Fred E. Parker was a source of guidance for him as he worked toward his goal. In 1968, Gordon married Brenda, who was the love of his life until he took his last breath. She was a constant presence by his side throughout their lives together. They moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he attended the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, and after completing school, they relocated to Columbia, where Gordon began his career at Dunbar Funeral Home. The fact that the business was the largest funeral home in the state gave him experiences and training that he could not have received anywhere else, and even up until his last months, he would tell stories of how things "used to be" and how Mr. John Dunbar mentored his funeral directors...always demanding excellence and professionalism. The lessons he learned shaped his entire career. Gordon was a man who respected his father immensely and wanted to emulate him in any way possible. Following in his footsteps, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and attended boot camp at Parris Island, SC. He always shared stories of his experiences and how it was the most difficult thing he ever did. He served briefly on active duty before joining the Marine Reserves and faithfully committed six years to "The Corps." In 1976, the death of Mr. Jimmy Holland at Peeples-Holland Funeral Home in Hampton created an unexpected job opportunity for Gordon. He was informed of the opening by a salesman and immediately interviewed for the position. He became the manager of the funeral home, and his life serving the people of Hampton County began. Not only did he become immersed in the funeral business, but he also became an EMT, as the funeral home ran the ambulance service for the entire county. Gordon worked practically non-stop with an unpredictable schedule that included nights and weekends. Brenda was always supportive and made sure their children were cared for and loved while he was gone. His children grew up knowing the sacrifices he made while the needs of other families experiencing loss and suffering took precedence over their own school functions, sporting events, and vacations. He was always with them in spirit, and his love was never doubted by them. The funeral home was the last funeral home in the state of South Carolina to cease ambulance service. Gordon and Brenda were blessed to eventually acquire ownership of the funeral home, and to also have his brother John join them in running the business. Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home was established. Throughout the years, Gordon was a quiet and faithful servant to his community. Many times he carried donations of gifts and food to families in need-especially at Christmas-without ever saying a word or asking for recognition. He performed funerals for countless families in need who had no financial resources, knowing he would never get paid. He would say that they were good and honest hard-working people who came into this world with nothing...and left this world with nothing. They were the ones he cared for the most, and he felt they deserved a proper burial. He always donated tents and hand fans to churches and groups-regardless of race or denomination-for their events and fund-raisers. In 1978, Gordon was elected Coroner of Hampton County. He was elected eight times and served for thirty-two years. He was the longest-serving Coroner in Hampton County history. During his time in office, he was proud of the fact that he managed the position professionally, but also in an economically sound way. He used the funeral home office and equipment, as well as his personal vehicle, only getting reimbursed for mileage and a few reams of copier paper. His call sign was "716," and that number was retired after he left office. Throughout his life, he carried the burden of always being the first person to tell a family that some tragedy had occurred which had claimed the life of their loved one. His calm and reassuring voice guided them through their darkest hours. Gordon was active in the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association over the years, and in 1994, became president of the association. He was also active in the South Carolina Coroner's Association and served as Vice President. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hampton and was a past Deacon. In 2002, Gordon and his son, Lee, purchased the Fred Parker Funeral Home in Walterboro, thus forming Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home. It was a satisfying event for him because it was as if he had come full circle and returned to the place he grew up and where his family had lived for generations. He truly loved Colleton County. Gordon loved his family and his community dearly. Despite his serious demeanor, he loved to be a prankster and tell stories. He enjoyed deer hunting, spending time on the family farm, and laughing around the dinner table. He was extremely proud of his three children and all of his grandchildren, and he took great joy in their successes in life. Gordon was "old school" and still used a flip-phone, and his contact list was a little spiral notebook he kept in his shirt pocket. Gordon conducted his life with respect for others...and was thus respected by many. His family is reassured by the fact that he is now at peace in heaven with his beloved Brenda, his parents, and all the family members who have gone before him. He is also certainly reconnecting with all of the colorful characters he worked with during his career. Perhaps also, all the folks he prepared for burial, as well as their families, have seen him and thanked him and simply said..."well done, my good and faithful servant." Gordon is survived by his children, Lee Rhoden (Amy), Lori Rhoden Bowen (Patrick), and Ryan Rhoden Brunson (Rabi). He dearly loved his grandchildren: Gretchen Rhoden (Noah), Anna Cress Rhoden Stephens (Trevor), Olivia Brunson Mullinax (Hasten), Emma Clare Brunson, Grant Ewing, Emmie Rhoden, Sims Brunson, Harrison Cook, and Mary Kent Bowen. He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren he cherished: Mary Ellis and Eliza Stephens, and Briggs Mullinax. Gordon is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, John and Helen Rhoden. Two people were very special to him-his devoted caregiver, Antoinette Daniels, and Arthur Smith, his devoted employee of the funeral home, who followed in the footsteps of his father, Fred Smith, who also spent his life working there. He loved Arthur and truly considered him like a son. Funeral Services will be 2 PM Sunday, November 30, 2025, in the First Baptist Church of Hampton, located at 305 Oak St. E., Hampton, SC 29924, conducted Rev. Emerson Wiles and Elder Robert Dobson. Burial will follow in the Hampton Cemetery with full military honors rendered by the United States Marine Corps. Visitation will be from 5 PM - 7 PM Saturday evening, November 29, 2025 at Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home, Hampton Chapel, located at 300 Mulberry St. W., Hampton, SC 29924. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The First Baptist Church of Hampton, 305 Oak Street East. Hampton, South Carolina 29924. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston