Curtis Neal "Dick" Rhodes, Sr., age 88, died Sunday, July 5, 2015, at Carolinas Healthcare-Cleveland. Born January 8, 1927, in Mecklenburg County into a family of nine children, he was the son of Arthur and Ocie Rhodes. Dick graduated from Matthews High School in 1944. He placed a high value on his education and tried to instill this value in others throughout his life. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific Theater primarily on two minesweepers, the USS Notable (AM-267) and the USS Mainstay (AM-261), in World War II. Dick married Frances McLaughlin in Charlotte, NC on August 6, 1947. She was the daughter of Andrew Sylvester “Vester” McLaughlin and Mary Frances Alexander. Fran married Curtis Neal "Dick" Rhodes in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 6, 1947. They had two children, Dr. Curtis Rhodes, Jr., of Amman, Jordan, and Patricia Frances Gjeltema who died on December 21, 2014, in Brevard County, Florida. She was a member of the Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church where she was laid to rest. Frances died in 1990. Dick married Margaret Anne Francis in 1991. They enjoyed 24 years of marriage enjoying life, laughing, traveling, and caring for one another. Dick's career spanned many decades. In October 1947, he was employed by Parnell-Martin Company and served in every capacity from order clerk to company president until 1979. Dick began his own company in 1979, Dick Rhodes, Inc. As a man of his word and with great integrity he strived to provide his customers with the best possible service. He built lasting relationships in business that carried over into life long friendships. Dick served as a deacon in the Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church and also was involved in organizing and collecting money at the gate for the famous Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church Barbecue for 43 years. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Patricia Frances Gjeltema, and his first wife Frances McLaughlin Rhodes. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Anne; son, Dr. Curtis N. Rhodes, Jr., and wife Marcia; son-in-law Russell Gjeltema. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Patrick Patterson and finance', Naomi Baxter; Michelle Stabile, and husband Derrick; Danielle Rhodes Blosser and husband Jamie; Nadia Rhodes Schroeder and husband, Ryan. He is also survived by 3 step-sons, Jeff, Artie, and Michael Francis and wives Ashley and Pam, 7 great-grandchildren, and 6 step-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Louise Cox and Sue Deming; one brother, Keith Rhodes. Funeral Services will be held at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Shelby, NC, Saturday, July 11th at 2:00 p.m Visitation will follow the funeral services. Dick was loved by many in Mallard Creek, Charlotte, NC, where he lived for more than half a century. In May 2003, Dick and his wife, Anne, moved to Moss Lake in Shelby, North Carolina where he was well-loved and respected by his new neighbors. Dick loved socializing with people and never met a stranger. He never forgot a face or a name and his encyclopedic knowledge of the world and history never ceased to amaze. He was always there to help anyone, from plumbing problems to financial matters. He enjoyed life vigorously and lived it to the fullest. We will all miss him so much.