After a valiantly fought battle with an acute form of leukemia, Anthony Marion Rhodes, age 78, passed away peacefully at home with friends and family by his side, on the eve of July 10, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service, intellect, and quiet strength and caring.
Born in Naples, Italy, in the aftermath of World War II, Tony was the cherished son of Marion Rhodes and Assunta Bruno. As an infant, he crossed the Atlantic aboard a Navy warship with his mom, beginning a life in the United States shaped by a passion for his special interests and a love for travel and adventure. He was raised on a working farm near Abbeville, Georgia, by his grandparents, where he learned the values of hard work, humility, and curiosity.
Tony embraced the rhythms of rural life—chopping wood, hauling water from the well, helping at his grandma’s country store and attending a one room schoolhouse. He often spoke fondly of those formative years, especially the time spent with his grandfather: fishing at dawn, riding into town for farm supplies and stopping at the drug store for the latest comic books or catching the newest science fiction film at the local theater. These early adventures sparked a lifelong love of reading, imagination, and the skies above.
A love of baseball provided him with the opportunity to attend Florida State University on a scholarship as a pitcher on the college team. He also graduated through the ROTC program at FSU and followed in his fathers’ footsteps of joining the United States Navy. A passionate observer of aviation from an early age, Tony fulfilled his dream of flying by becoming a Navy fighter pilot. He graduated from the elite Top Gun program (Call Sign “Slick”) and was on active duty during the Vietnam War through Desert Storm. His career in the Navy carried him around the world in various capacities with formal assignments in Europe.
After retiring from military service, Tony continued to serve the aviation community—first as an air traffic controller, then as a systems engineer with the Federal Aviation Administration, stationed with the national office in Washington, DC. His expertise and ability to get along with people helped improve air safety and conditions for air traffic controllers.
In retirement, Tony embraced his lifelong love for reading and history. An avid book collector, he immersed himself in the study of Roman antiquity, World War II, and the settling of the American West. He and his wife and constant companion, Edy, along with friends and family, traveled to many of the historic sites he had long admired bringing the pages of his books to life through shared experiences and meaningful journeys.
Tony also shared his knowledge generously with others, teaching several classes for a local university group. His enthusiasm for learning and his gift for storytelling inspired students of all ages, and his lectures reflected the same depth, curiosity, and warmth that defined his life.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Edy Williams-Rhodes; his son, Michael Anthony Rhodes and his wife Iris; his daughter, Jennifer Leeann Rhodes and her partner Doug; and four beloved grandchildren: Caleb Haber (20 years of age), Isabella Fayth Rhodes (6 years of age), Nathaniel Anthony Rhodes (4 years of age), and Catharine Ivy Rhodes (2 months). He is also survived by his loving sister, Elisa Little, her husband, Chuck; by his two nephews, Chris and Mark Nelson, and their families—all residing in Beaumont, Texas.
In accordance with his final wishes, Tony will be cremated, and his ashes will be lovingly scattered by Edy in the places that held the deepest meaning throughout their lives. His final resting place will be the Rhodes family cemetery at the Lebanon Baptist Church near Abbeville, Georgia, where Edy will one day join him.
Tony lived with integrity, served with distinction, and leaves behind a legacy that his family and friends love and admire. He requested that in lieu of any remembrances to the family that donations be made to local animal shelters or cancer organizations.
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
Loved reading about his life!!! He was my best friend’s brother-in-law and I was privileged to be with Edy and Toney !!!! He was kind, quiet and loved Edy’s family and friends!!!! He will be missed and memories cherished!!!!
Edy, I’m so sorry for your loss. Tony was such a wonderful person so interesting and I could listen to his stories all day.
Much love,
Peggy Hayden
Mrs Edy lm so sorry for your lost but lm so grateful to have got to work with y’all and care for Mr Tony i was always excited about coming to work looking forward to what we was doing that day yall became family to me and lm so grateful he will be miss ❤️
Edy (roomie) I am so so sorry to read this but we all know he is in a much better place!! May Gid be with you during this time!!! Love you my friend!!!!
God I’m sorry!!!! Love this picture
Edy, Tricia and I are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers for comfort and peace are for you and family during this most difficult time. Love and blessings! Chuck and Patricia Terrell
Edy, Tricia and I are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers for comfort and peace are for you and family during this most difficult time. Love and blessings! 🙏🏻❤️
Tony was a man of honor and integrity and lived life to the fullest. I regret that we didn’t know him longer but you didn’t have to know him long to realize what a special person he was and we were honored to call him neighbor and friend. He loved a lot of things and people but his greatest love was Edy and they had the greatest love story. We are sorry for the entire families loss and he will be greatly missed.
Edy, I am so sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed our conversations during the construction of your home. Tony was such an interesting person and will surely. be missed.
Edy
Eric and I , as your neighbors, appreciated Tony’s contribution to our Neighborhood for his service on our Neighborhood Board
May he Rest in Peace ; we are thankful you both chose the Meadows to build your home
We will also remember Mr . Rhodes. Such and sweet and precious soul
Rest in Heaven
Dad….you were instrumental in all the major moments of my life and owe you forever for that…even my kids life in New England would not have been without you. I miss you, and every time I have a question about the Roman Empire I just want to call you up.
Love forever,
Your son, Mike
Dad,
You’ll always be my hero. Thank you for everything. I’ll love and miss you for the rest of my life.
Your little girl,
Jenni
Edy, I miss Tony very much as he was my best friend and was like a brother I never had. We could discuss everything and anything without judgment of each other, as true friends do. I am honored to have known him for as long as I have.