Johnny "TeaPot" Rhodes

Johnny “TeaPot” Rhodes was born on October 8, 1946, in Savannah, Georgia, the fifth child of the late Abraham and Mary Lou Rhodes. On March 23, 2025, Johnny was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, receiving the greatest grace of eternal peace, where there is no sadness or tears.

Johnny’s deep love for the Lord began at an early age when he accepted Christ as his Savior at West Broad Street Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Savannah, Georgia. His faith remained a guiding light throughout his life.

He attended Savannah’s public schools and graduated from Alfred Ely Beach High School before earning a football scholarship to Savannah State University, where he pursued an Associate Degree in Education.

Johnny’s charm and warmth blessed him with the opportunity to love twice. His first union, with Lauryce Preston Hecker, brought two beautiful daughters, Monique Simeone Rhodes and Joye Renee Warren.

Professionally, Johnny was a skilled and dedicated journeyman carpenter. He later relocated to Topeka, Kansas, where he worked diligently for 25 years before retiring from the Carpenters Union in 2004. During his time in Topeka, Johnny married Ronnie C. Ricks on April 3, 1980, and together they welcomed their son, Rashod John Rhodes.

In 2006, Johnny and Ronnie moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they enjoyed their retirement years together.

Johnny leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering faith. He is survived by his devoted wife, Ronnie C. Rhodes, and his beloved children: Monique Simeone Rhodes of Brighton, Colorado; Joye Renee Warren of Richmond, Virginia; Shauna Nicole Bailey of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Rashod John Rhodes (Damariz) of Topeka, Kansas. He was also a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Chantz Kade Hines, Jaelyn Mikael Warren, Isis Nicole Busey, Genesis Rhodes, Saul Rhodes, Manuel Rhodes, and Brandon Jimenez.

He is also survived by two loving sisters, Barbara Jean Murdock of Brooklyn, New York, and Carolyn Walls of Atlanta, Georgia.

Johnny was preceded in death by his two brothers, Abraham Jr. Rhodes and Charles Rhodes, as well as his sister, Joy Rhodes.

He will be deeply missed by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends—each of whom he loved, encouraged, and cherished throughout his life.

Johnny lived by faith and leaves us with the words of 2 Timothy 4:7:

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

May his soul rest in eternal peace.