Alvin Marion Rhodes VI, affectionately known as Bubba and Big Al to family and friends, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 1, 2020.  He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife and children at St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mr. Rhodes was born on January 26, 1940, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Alvin Marion Rhodes, V and Calista McCarty Rhodes. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the USMC where he proudly served for 4 years. He attended Southeastern Bible College where he met the love of his life, Patsy Raiford Rhodes. When they married, they attended and graduated from Jacksonville State University.

Al was a business owner for over 50 years and retired from the company that he founded, AMR Business Products, Inc., dba DECA. He always considered his employees and their families as family.

He was a devoted follower of Christ which influenced every aspect of his life. He was a patriot, a hunter, and an avid sports fan; however, nothing rivaled his love of the study of the Word of God.  All conversations eventually turned to Jesus and the importance of having a personal relationship with Him; and he led by example. He was a servant leader, a true gentleman, and an inspiration to everyone he met.  He had the sweetest and warmest smile, and genuinely cared for others.  He had the biggest heart and the bluest eyes.  He was an encourager and generous giver.  Everyone who came to know him, loved him, and felt his love in return.

Al and Patsy's mutual faith and love for God's Word would define the rest of Al's life. He served as a deacon and elder in churches in Alabama and Georgia. He was a member of Gideons, International, and charter member of Fellowship of Companies for Christ International. His passion for teaching the Word of God was a calling. He taught in churches and on mission trips to Kenya where he partnered with close friends to support the building of churches, schools, and an orphanage. He loved his Sunday School class at FBCW, where he continued to teach virtually during the last several months.

His love for his family and others was unparalleled and unwavering.  Mr. Rhodes was a devoted and proud husband, father, and grandfather, and was the true Patriarch of the Rhodes family. Patsy was the apple of his eye and their marriage was a beautiful love story and example for all to follow. They were best friends, and he cherished her each day. To the very end, he told the nurses and doctors that she was the most beautiful girl in the world.

While he loved his children, he was most proud to wear the title of Granddaddy, and he ensured that each grandchild felt singularly loved. His grandchildren were his joy, and he would brag on them to anyone who would listen. He highlighted their unique differences, taking pride in their individual qualities. He didn't want to miss a moment of being a part of their lives, whether attending sporting or school events, milestone occasions, watching Alabama Crimson Tide football (Roll Tide), or planning family trips so that everyone could spend time together. There was no greater joy to him than knowing that his children and grandchildren were saved and would all spend eternity together.

In addition to his wife Patsy, Mr. Rhodes is survived by 3 children: Joy Rhodes of Marietta, Al Rhodes (Cheryl) of Roswell, and Kristi Walker (Jason) of Powder Springs; one brother, Bob Rhodes (Frieda) of Warrior, AL; 7 grandchildren: Kailey Rhodes (Matt Hlavaty), Kelsey Smith (Patrick), Alicia Rhodes, Mitchell Walker, Braeden Walker, Avery Walker, and Sadie Walker.  He is also survived by special loved ones whom he considered his children: Laura McDonald of Marietta, and Michael Davis and family of Cologne, Germany. He was preceded in death by brother, Gene Rhodes.

He has left a legacy to be cherished.  His smile, laughter, wisdom, warmth, and love will be greatly missed. He wanted to be remembered by two words: "He Cared."

Well done good and faithful servant.

A private family service will be held at Lakeside Funeral Home and interment with Military Honors will be held at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA on October 13 ^th . A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Gideons International or CRU (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ).