Deacon Charles Rhodes

Deacon Charles Rhodes, 88 of Campbell, transitioned from his earthly labor to his heavenly home on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

Dea. Rhodes was born July 24, 1937 in Union Point, Georgia, a son of Paul Rhodes Sr. and Lucinda (Shavers) Rhodes. He attended The Rayen School and served his country in the U. S. Army from May 1954 through May 1957.

He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Elsie Livas on May16,1959. He loved and cherished his family and his family loved and cherished him. He was an excellent protector and provider. He was the patriarch of the family and the last of his siblings. Full of wisdom, knowledge, kindness and love, many of his friends, family members and church members often gleaned counsel and advice from him. He was a mentor, friend and confidante to many.

Deacon Rhodes was an original founding member of Rising Star Baptist Church where he served as former chairman of the Deacon Board, Sunday School and Bible Study teacher, choir member and Prison Ministry. He also served as trustee with the Southern Baptist Association. He was a former member of Zion Hill Baptist Church where he was raised up and attended with his family. While there, he was ordained as a deacon, served as a trustee, taught Sunday School and was a member of the choir and male chorus. He was active in the community and was a member of the NAACP and Youngstown-Warren Urban League. He conducted home Bible studies and a prison ministry (Conneaut Prison and Ohio State Penitentiary) where he led many to Christ.

He was employed with General Motors Lordstown where he held several positions including Jobs Bank Coordinator. He was the first committee man for UAW 1714 Fisher Body Plant and the first African American in the state of Ohio to be appointed as an International UAW representative. He also led a Bible Study group. He retired in 1993 after 21 years of service.

Charles was a die-hard Cleveland Browns and Cavaliers fan. He was an impeccable dresser; he loved nice clothes, Cadillacs and “Old School Music”(Sam Cook, The Temptations, Earth Wind and Fire and Marvin Gaye.)

He leaves to mourn his passing, but to celebrate his life and legacy, his loving wife, his son, Michael Maurice Rhodes Sr. of Campbell; six grandchildren; Micaela (Aaron), Michael Jr. (ShaQuilla), Amari, Asiah, Aaliyah and Brandon; four great grandchildren, Aariana, Makiyah, Mylah, and Kai; brother- in -law, Samuel Livas; special daughter- in- law Tracy Crawley; daughter -in- law Angela Anthony; a host of nieces, including Marian Wilson, Joette Logan, Maureen Wilson, Inger Wilson, Paulette Livas McCall and Gwen Livas McLaurin; a host of nephews, including Julius Livas, Terrance, Donald and Damien Rhodes, David and Keith Drummond, Mark and Phillip Harris, Charles Logan and Rev. Gary Rozier; all who were like children to him; special friend and next door neighbor, John Kaglic; and dear friend Robert Price Jr.; two of Michael’s friends that he loved like sons, Marco “Deanie” Hammond and Bernard “ Butch” McCrae, and a large loving family, friends and church community.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Paul Rhodes Jr; L.D. Rhodes, James Rhodes, Anna Bertha Herring, Mary Lois Wilson, and Hildred J. Clinkscale; a daughter -in -law Tina (Lindsey) Rhodes; a niece Anita Fran Wilson; uncle and aunts, L. D. and Estelle Shavers, and Mattie Shavers; life-long friends James “Jackie” Martin and George “Cuddy” Davis, who joined the military with him.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the Rising Star Baptist Church, 2943 Wardle Ave; Youngstown, OH  44505. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:00 a.m.

Ministry of comfort entrusted to the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home

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