Russell Babers Rhodes Sr., 93, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at Spring Arbor of Greensboro. Born on December 9, 1928, in Augusta, Ga., he was the son of the late Butler Means Rhodes and Elizabeth Wright Rhodes.

Russell was proud to have served his country in the United States Air Force for 20 years. After coming home from the Air Force, he worked for the family business, Carolina Petroleum Company. He was not about to retire and worked until he was no longer able. Russell was a devoted family man. His family and Carolina Petroleum family were his world. Russell was a big kid that liked to laugh, sing, “fix” things, wear colorful clothes, eat chocolate and give bear hugs. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Christine Nash Rhodes.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Caroline Rhodes Cheek and her husband Richard; his son, Russell B. Rhodes Jr. and his wife Theresa; and his grandsons, George, Matthew, and William Rhodes.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 6, 2022, in the Garden of Prayer in Iredell Memorial Gardens with Pastor Phil McCoy officiating.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com. Memorials may be given in lieu of flowers to WoundedWarriorProject.org.

Nicholson Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family.