Tommy "Thunder" Rhodes

Tommy "Thunder" Rhodes, age 78, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, passed away on November 20, 2024 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born on May 5, 1946, in Fort Smith to Hazel (Pendergrass) Clough and Harold Edgar Rhodes.

Tommy was a devoted husband to Sharon (Watts) Rhodes, whom he married on April 4, 1970, in Sallisaw. He served his country as a U.S. Army Veteran during the Vietnam War, stationed in Korea. Upon returning home, he dedicated his career to the Oklahoma State Forestry Division as a District Forest Ranger.

Tommy had a passion for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and had a special appreciation for car racing and attending car shows. A proud graduate of Sallisaw High School in 1964, he loved the Black Diamonds - when they weren't playing Muldrow.

Tommy is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon, and their children: son Grant Rhodes of Sallisaw, Oklahoma; daughter Sydney Miles and her husband George of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and four grandchildren, Samantha Rhodes and Alexandra Rhodes, both of Sallisaw, Ryan Miles and his wife Olivia of Tulsa, and Ethan Miles of Midland, Texas. He also leaves behind his first great-grandchild, two-month old Hallie Grace Miles, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers: Joe, Phil, Mark, Reggie, and Mike Rhodes.

A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 2:00 PM, followed by burial at Sallisaw City Cemetery. 

Active pallbearers will include Ryan Miles, Ethan Miles, Jeremy Rhodes, Clayton Rhodes, Gary Rhodes, Bo Byers, AJ Byers, and Preston Glover.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Tony Rhodes, Randy Rhodes, Levi Rhodes, Marvin Thouvenel, Don Stites, David Joseph, Jim Breashers, Gary Cantrell, Stacy Barnes, Randy Wood, Danny Oberste, Bill Weedon, Shannon Vann, Larry Spears, Merle Copeland, Larry Randolph, Little Joe Cartwright, and Todd Martin. 

Viewing will take place on Sunday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw, where family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Tommy's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and he will be dearly missed.