Obituary of Rockley J. "Rocky" Rhodes
Deceased 27 December 2016
January 11, 1950 - December 27, 2016
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Rocky J. Rhodes was born on January 11, 1950 to Ralph and Roslyn (Sechinger) Rhodes in Eustis, Florida. He passed away on December 27, 2016 at Baldomero Lopez State Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes, Florida.
Vietnam
After his tours of Vietnam, Sgt. Rhodes was eligible to wear the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, the National Defense Service Medal, three Vietnam Service Medals, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm as well as his Combat Infantry Badge and sharpshooter designation on his uniform. Rocky served as a door gunner in Vietnam with the 4th Cavalry 25 Infantry Division known as the Centaurs of Vietnam. His exploits on the battlefield were not something Rocky talked about but his awards and decorations speak for themselves.
Military Honors
A military funeral with military honors provided by the United States Army was held Monday, January 23, 2017 at 10:00 am at Florida National Cemetery.
Comments: From Funeral Home Webpage
Martha Christie
January 10, 2017 at 2:44 pm
It was a blessing knowing Rocky. I knew him as one of our past Resident’s from the Domiciliary. He was truly a great guy and fun to be around. Will miss him dearly.
Kathy Harper
January 10, 2017 at 2:49 pm
I was sorry to hear that Rocky had past away, he was a delightful person to be around. I meet Rocky while he lived at the Jenkins Veterans Home in Lake city Florida. While he was here he kept everyone entertained, he was funny and he always had a smile on his face. He will be dearly missed.
Sonja Giebeig
January 10, 2017 at 3:18 pm
I was very sorry to hear of Sgt. Rocky’s death. I had the pleasure of knowing him when he was a resident here at the Veterans DOM. He was a delightful gentleman, and always fun. He loved making people laugh, and made a lot of jokes, most of which were directed at himself. I was very blessed to know him!
Ed daSilva
January 11, 2017 at 3:18 pm
Oh my man Rocky!! So very sad and surprised to hear of his passing. When he was at the Domiciliary, I used to love sitting and listening to his stories about his time in Vietnam, driving semi trucks out west and working on the oil rig. And what a great sense of humor!!! If ever there is a hero, it is Rocky Rhodes. I miss you Rock.
Gail Beard
January 11, 2017 at 4:32 pm
Sweet Rocky! I am so saddened by his passing. While he lived at the Veterans Domiciliary I became very attached to him! I loved to listen to him talk about the things he did in the war. We were of the same age and could talk about those times together. And boy, you didn’t mention “Hanoi Jane” around him either!!I still have the copy his picture standing with his gun in the door of his helicopter! I’ll NEVER forget you Rocky!
Miriam Cartagena
January 11, 2017 at 5:21 pm
I’m sorry to hear of Rocky’s passing. I met him at the Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Veteran’s Domiciliary Home of Florida in Lake City, FL. He was a funny guy and some times a handful, but we loved him. May Sgt. Rocky J. Rhodes R. I. P.
Michelle Byrd
January 11, 2017 at 6:22 pm
Hey Rocky, when you see Saint Peter tell him that you’re reporting for duty. R. I. P. buddy.
Trish
January 12, 2017 at 12:13 am
“Is there a Rocky Rhodes in the house!?” That is something we used to always say to you bud when we walked in to start our shift at Baldomero, but you sadly have found a new place to call home! You are now “AT EASE”, as you would say to quiet down everyone in the dining room. We miss you dearly, and talk about you daily! You were one serious fighter with the softest of hearts. I thought for sure i was going to go home Monday night at 11 after my shift and come back the next day to find your bed empty, but ill be damned if you didnt listen to me when i told you i would be back the following day at 3pm to be there for you if you didn’t take your last breath as i sat on your bed beside by you,held your hand and talked to you.The weirdest thing of all, everyone was telling me that i wasn’t even supoose to be there that day. I had to go and double check the schedule and sure enough, I was suppose to be off! I believe I was meant to hold your hand, Rocky, as you stepped into a better world. Rest easy my friend. I wish I would’ve known you longer! Thank you for your service! I will be there on the 23rd bud! <3
Trish
January 12, 2017 at 12:27 am
Im sorry, how horrible of me to forget to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROCKY!!!