Larry Edward Rhodes

On July 20, 2025, the checkered flag waved one final time as Larry Edward Rhodes, age 78, completed his earthly race and entered into eternal rest.

Graduate of Edneyville High School, Larry was well known for his passion for car racing, his talent in restoring and painting vehicles, and his gift for creating landscape portraits. His love for painting was more than a hobby, it was a craft, a reflection of the creativity God had placed within him.

As the owner of Fruitland Paint and Body Shop, Larry spent countless hours breathing new life into aging and broken vehicles. With skilled hands and a keen eye, he brought cars back to their former glory.

Down in the basement of his home, Larry found peace behind a canvas. One brushstroke at a time, he captured the serenity of nature in sunsets, cabins, waterfalls, snowy woods, and fallen trees. His paintings stood as quiet reminders of God’s steady hand and ongoing work in his own life.

Larry was also blessed with a gift for music. He could pick up any guitar and play it effortlessly. He shared this talent alongside his family in The Rhodes Trio and played bass guitar as a member of Hoopers Creek Baptist church for many years.

Those who have finished life’s course before him include his father, Dr. Lawrence Rhodes, his mother, Emily Rhodes, and his beloved son, Jeffery Rhodes. (2 Timothy 4:7)

Continuing to “press toward the mark” (Philippians 3:14) are his wife, Faye Rhodes; his sisters, Rachel Barnwell (Roland) and Mary Youngblood (Danny); nieces and nephews, Michelle, Chris, Phillip, and Amy; his step children include Tonya and Kristofer Youngblood (Savannah); step grandchildren include Cody, Robin and Nova as well as many other loving family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 25 at Hoopers Creek Baptist Church, with Pastor Phillip Youngblood and Eddie Youngblood officiating. Interment will follow at Hoopers Creek Cemetery. His family will greet friends at the church on Friday from 1:00 until 2:00 PM.

Though his earthly race is finished, his legacy continues in the lives he touched and the beauty he leaves behind.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.