Lawrence H. Rhodes

Lawrence Henry Rhodes

1946 – 2025

Lawrence began his life journey on January 20, 1946 and completed his journey on April 15, 2025. Lawrence was the third child from the union of Nellie Mae Baker and Lloyd Henry Rhodes joining two other siblings, Carol and Joann. Lawrence was soon joined with two more siblings, Anita and Glenn.

Lawrence accepted Christ at an early age, and recommitted himself to Christ as a member of Green Castle Baptist Church. While attending Green Castle, Lawrence joined the audiovisual team and became a dedicated member utilizing his gifts to create slideshows, commercials, countdowns and just about anything that was needed. He was faithful to his job and could be found at the church most weekdays, always working and preparing for Sunday service.

Lawrence graduated from Louisville Male High School in 1964 and joined the Navy shortly thereafter. After the Navy, Lawrence settled in Cincinnati, Ohio where he met his first wife, Joyce Banks. Their union was blessed with two children, Derek and Daryl who currently reside in San Antonio and Dallas/ Ft. Worth, respectively. Joyce passed away in 2003 and the currents of life led Lawrence to Cynthia Collins, who was also a widow with a daughter, Strauzie. Lawrence and Cynthia were married in 2007 and spent over seventeen years together. Strauzie was blessed with a son Caleb, who would affectionately refer to Lawrence as “Grampie”. Caleb and Lawrence shared a very special bond, from school plays to basketball games he was always there to cheer him on. Lawrence loved “Buster” and was so proud of him. Lawrence, by nature had a kind and loving heart, accepting Strauzie and Caleb as his own family, as did Cynthia embrace Derek and Daryl.

Lawrence retired from civil service with the Federal Government as a jet aircraft engine quality inspector, spending time at Wright - Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio and the GE aircraft engine facility in Cincinnati. Lawrence’s job frequently took him from coast to coast and he often brought back presents for his sons, nieces and nephews.

Lawrence was an all-around handy man, capable of fixing anything deemed repairable. When others would doubt his ability to fix something, Lawrence would state that if he could disassemble and repair jet engines, he could take care of household appliances and other routine daily maintenance items.

Lawrence was a stickler for cleanliness and order. He once iron wrinkles out of the carpet in a house that he and his wife had just sold so the new owners wouldn’t think badly of them. When looking to buy a new house, he would turn thumbs down on any house that wasn’t clean, despite its structural integrity and livability.

While those of us who loved Lawrence wish his journey hadn’t ended at this time, we also know that his journey continues as he walks with God and the relatives that preceded him to God’s everlasting embrace. Although Lawrence’s steps have come to an end, on this side of eternity, we know that he walks with God and his presence and being will forever radiate in those who loved him.

Life is a gift from God which death cannot rescind. Lawrence will forever be a son, brother, nephew, husband, father, grandpa (Grampy), uncle, cousin, and in-law, now and forever.

Lawrence is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Cynthia Marie (Taylor) Rhodes, daughter, Strauzie Collins, sons, Derek Rhodes and Daryl Rhodes, grandson, Caleb "Buster" Miller, brother, Glenn Davis Rhodes (Delores), sisters, JoAnn Lee and Carol Thomas (Willie) and sisters-in-law, Dorene Faye Reed and Diane LaVerne Warren and brother-in-law, Julius Edward Taylor. Lawrence is also survived by a host of relatives and friends.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Green Castle Baptist Church, (4970 Murphy Lane Louisville, KY 40241) burial to follow at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions in Lawrence’s memory be made to Hosparus of Louisville and/or Harry E. Taylor Scholarship Fund through Green Castle Baptist Church (4970 Murphy Lane Louisville, KY 40241).

Let us rejoice.

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