Charles Franklin Rhoades Jr.

Charles, AKA Junior, Buddy, Daddy, Pawpaw, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at the age of 86. He was born October 16, 1938 in Springville, AL. He was a man of simple joys, Big love, and a huge heart for his whole family. He and his beloved 'Little Darlin’ of 70 years (65 married) were blessed with a lifetime of adventures, traveling together to the glaciers of Alaska, the cliffs of Ireland, the beauty of Hawaii, the lights of Paris, the canals of Venice, exciting Monte Carlo, and the history of Rome. At home, he was rarely seen without a styrofoam cup of sweet tea and a peppermint in his pocket. Whether he was fishing on the lake , cruising around on his buggy (golf cart) , piddling outside or watching football, he found happiness in the little things. He was creative and inventive, he could fix or “rig” just about anything with duct tape, rope or zipties, a skill that became legendary with family and friends. Spoiling Grandkids with late night ice cream, shopping sprees at Dollar tree and teaching them to fish were some of his favorite things. He loved the Lord, was a devoted husband, father and the best pawpaw! He had a smile and laugh that brought warmth into all lives that knew him. From narrating videos, to going all out on lights, and decor for Christmas he created everlasting memories for his family. He leaves a long legacy of love, laughter, and resourcefulness in all that knew him. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Johnnie Rhoades; daughters, Denean (Mike) Ragland and Penelope (Ken) Morton; son-in-law, Jeremy (Heidi) Ledbetter; grandchildren, Lyndsey (Devin) Cochran, Adam (Heather) Ragland, Brianna Ledbetter, Kenzie (Hunter “Buck”) Harris, Kara (Zac) Layne, Madalyn (Ethan) McBurnett, Ethan Ledbetter, Drew Morton and Jaxson Ledbetter; great grandchildren, Tucker, Tanner and Carter Ragland, Lawson, Deacon and William Cochran, Owynn Harris and Jay Layne; sister, Barbara Ann (Bill) Forman and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Franklin Rhoades, Sr. and Sallie Wilson Rhoades; his daughter, Carla Necole Ledbetter and 10 siblings. The family will receive friends on Monday, March 17, 2025 from 12:30pm to 2pm at Gardendale Heritage Funeral Home; where the funeral service will begin at 2pm. Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Gardens.

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Charles Franklin Rhoades Jr.

October 16, 1938 - March 11, 2025