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Jan. 17, 1940 – April 8, 2024

NATCHEZ – Leon Edward Rhodes “Buddy”, 84, entered into eternal rest on April 8, 2024.

Buddy was born on Jan. 17, 1940, in De Soto, MS.  He was the son of Leon Estes Rhodes and Ruth Boykin Rhodes.

He grew up in Natchez and was proud to be the catcher for the Natchez Allstar team that went to the Little League World Series. He was a graduate of Natchez High School and Mississippi State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in transportation. After college, Buddy moved back to Natchez and began his 30-year career with the Johns Manville Corporation in Physical Distribution.

Governor Kirk Fordice appointed Buddy President of the Natchez Port Association, a role he enjoyed for many years.

He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Natchez serving on the vestry as both an elder and a deacon, chairing the building committee. For many years he was one of the cooks who prepared the full breakfasts for the weekly Men’s Prayer Breakfast.

Buddy was an avid outdoorsman and shared his love of hunting, fishing, and the outdoors with his children, grandchildren, and many others.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Mary Ruth Noble, Patricia Pevey, Jane Day, and Jimmy Rhodes.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Barry Rhodes, his children, Margaret Ewald (Karl) and Barry Rhodes as well as his four grandchildren, Ryan Rhodes, Karl Ewald IV, Andrew Ewald, and Caroline Rhodes and by his brother, Richard Rhodes (Betty Jo).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m., with family visitation beginning at 10 am in Stratton Chapel.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Natchez or the charity of your choice.