Obituary - Jennings Bryan Rhodes, Jr.
Bryan Rhodes
August 20, 1933 – July 28, 2021
Jennings Bryan Rhodes, Jr., 87, joined his voice with those in the heavenly choir on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Bryan was born in Wayne County to the late Jennings Bryan Rhodes, Sr. and Rosalie Smith Rhodes on August 20, 1933. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Lynn Rhodes; and a granddaughter, Cecilia Rose Wiggins.
Growing up in Goldsboro, Bryan attended Goldsboro High School where his love of music blossomed. His chorus teacher, Andy Griffith, was so impressed with his abilities that he tried to get him to go with him to New York to enter show business. Though Bryan didn’t take him up on his offer, his life was filled with music from that point forward.
After graduating high school, Bryan attended Campbell University and later joined the United States Navy, proudly serving our country. Following his service of active duty, he enlisted in the Navy Reserves.
Starting his career as a cabinet builder, Bryan went on to work as a salesman with US Plywood, retiring after 32 years. Retirement was not a good fit for Bryan, so he continued his career working with Sasser Lumber Company in La Grange where he traveled throughout North Carolina selling lumber. His way with words and ability to tell colorful stories made him many friends along the journey. Though he knew everyone’s name, those he loved most would be given a nickname before long. He even acquired the name “Gizz” himself, because of his weekly habit of eating gizzards and livers while on his selling route.
For Bryan, music was as integral to life as breath itself. Although he never learned to read music, he could hear and sing the most complex harmonies in perfect tune and follow a bass line as well as the most experienced professionals. If you were around him for long, you’d likely hear him humming, or maybe even whistling. If he heard you whistling though, he’d ask you to “take that whistle and put it in your pocket”. As the lead singer for a barbershop quartet, Bryan sang alongside Buddy Hopp, Vernon Ball, and Isaac Hines for various events throughout the area. Bryan’s family and Vernon’s family would often gather on weekends with the voices and instruments for “Pickin’ and Grinnin’”. Along with his wife, Mary Dell, the two sustained the music program at St. Mark United Methodist Church before moving into an active role in the ministries at Queen Street United Methodist Church.
If Bryan wasn’t singing, he was likely listening to music. He loved attending local musicals at North Lenoir High School, Southern Gospel concerts, or listening to the Gaither Homecoming Series on television at home. He participated in several musicals himself, including “The Music Man” as a member of the barbershop quartet on two separate occasions, the lead actor in “The Homecoming” and as different roles in “Smoke on the Mountain” on three occasions for Queen Street Church.
As an active member at Queen Street United Methodist Church in Kinston, Bryan participated in various ministries from serving on boards, leading the singing in his Sunday School class, to participating in nearly all its musical ministries. He was a member of the Queen Street Vocal Ensemble, the Chancel Choir, served as a soloist for worship services and concerts, and participated in the annual “A Queen Street Christmas” faithfully every year. His love for his Lord shined radiantly through his participation in the church’s ministries. He believed that each member of Queen Street was family; he loved them dearly, and they loved him equally in return.
Perhaps the only earthly thing that surpassed Bryan’s love for music was the love for his family. Bryan met the love of his life, Mary Dell Sutton Rhodes, while at Camp Don Lee on a church trip. The two married on June 5, 1955 and spent over 66 years together as dedicated life partners. Raising three children, Bryan served as the baseball coach for his kids from middle school through high school. He never missed a game, whether at home or away. Time spent surf fishing for sea mullets and flounder was a great delight, but Bryan was content any time he was with them. He was their biggest cheerleader and devoted his life to their care and well-being. His love for Mary Dell knew no bounds, and he made sure all of her needs were met to the best of his abilities.
A service to remember and honor Bryan’s life will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Rouse Funeral Home with Rev. Allen Bingham officiating. Committal will follow in Maplewood Cemetery in Mount Olive.
Bryan is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Dell Rhodes; children, Trey Rhodes and wife, Bethany, Neil Rhodes, and Jenni Rhodes Wiggins; grandchildren, Ethan Garris, Elijah Garris, Abygail Garris, Amberly Garris, Charity Rhodes, Harrison Rhodes, Robert Bryan Wiggins, and Peyton Wiggins; and his Queen Street Church family.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Friday, July 30, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to the Queen Street UMC Music Fund, PO Box 508, Kinston, N.C. 28502. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
