Emanuel Rhodes a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather and World War II Veteran peacefully passed away on October 9, 2018 at the age of 97.
Emanuel Rhodes was born on January 23, 1921 in Palmrya, North Carolina. Emanuel was the first of two sons born to Playton and Roberta Clark Rhodes. He relocated to Princeton, NJ with his father and brother Oscar when he was twelve years old. Emanuel loved Princeton and resided there for over 85 years as he always knew it was a wonderful place to live and raise his family.
Emanuel was educated in the Princeton school system and was drafted in to the United States Army in 1942. He completed his basic training at Fort McClellan in Alabama and was later transferred to Fort Huachuca in Arizona. Corporal Rhodes was stationed in Italy where he was assigned to the Army’s “All Black”- 92nd Artillery Division from 1943 to 1945. He was responsible for the placement of communication lines between the Artillery Division Headquarters and its organic and attached units.
In daylight operations, Corporal Rhodes serviced and placed the communication lines under direct enemy observation and the ever-present threat of hostile fire. During one mission, with enemy artillery repeatedly destroying the communication lines at an important intersection, Corporal Rhodes instructed his Commanding Officer to move the Platoon to the safety zone as he voluntarily remained at the location, continuously repairing the communication lines. Nearly a half day later, Corporal Rhodes walked several dangerous miles back to headquarters. Corporal Rhodes was cheered on and embraced by his entire Platoon, who were stunned in amazement, that he completed the heroic mission and survived the heavy enemy fire.
Corporal Rhodes was awarded a Bronze Star on May 29, 1945 for his devotion to duty and meritorious service while in combat. He was also decorated with honors that included the American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon and a Victory Medal.
After being honorably discharged from the Army in 1945, Emanuel met his wife Hazel Vivian Winn in the spring of 1947 and married her three months later. Emanuel and Hazel’s love story went on for over 71 years. They loved to travel and spend time with their large family.
Emanuel enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking, playing cards and board games. His fondest activity was going to the race track with his brother Oscar. Emanuel was an avid sports fan of the New York Yankees, Giants and Knicks. He also loved to watch classic army and western movies. Emanuel was meticulous about his yard, so much so, he would end up spending his entire Saturday working on it because he would stop and talk to every passerby.
Emanuel began his career with the Matthew’s Construction Company. In 1984, he retired from his father’s hauling business and 20 years of service with RCA.
Emanuel was preceded in death by his parents Playton and Roberta Clark Rhodes, brother Oscar Rhodes, step-mother Minnie Rhodes and life-long friend Barbara Hill.
Emanuel is survived by his wife Hazel and his four children; H.Patricia Rhodes, Lynet Dugger, Emanuel Derrick Rhodes and Lisa Miles; son-in-law Paul Miles. Six grandchildren; Gina Jackson-Beale (Corey), Ralph Jackson III, Mia Johnson (Gary), Nina Dugger (Melvin), Emanuel Jackson (Nicole), and Skyler Dugger. Seventeen great-grandchildren; Shana Jackson, Sharesse Jackson, Gary Johnson Jr. (Erika), Sheldon Jackson (Ramona), Canaan Johnson, Chanel Johnson, Shaan Johnson, Cameron Johnson, Mayke Pegram, Amirah Jackson, Yoana Jackson, Kayla Jackson, Emanuel Jackson, Jr., Aaron Pegram, Antonio Jackson, Zamarrion Gantt, and Shada Jackson. Five great-great grandchildren; Kayden Taylor, Jai Johnson, Gavin Johnson, Kailee Taylor, and Kamryn Taylor.
He is also survived by sister-in-law Juanita Rhodes. Step-siblings; Dexter Liverman, Bonita Leadem (Richard), Denise Isley (James), Lance Liverman (LaTonya) and Rev. Elliott Liverman (Karen). Cousins; Dorothy and Ralph Stevens. Special friends; Melva and Willie Moore, John Clark, Jerry Crawford, and Mardean Epps.
For over 72 years he was a member of American Legion Post #218 and Veterans of Foreign War.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be sent to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517 www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Arrangements were under the direction of Hughes Funeral Home, Trenton NJ.