Charles Ernest Rhodes

1931 — 2024

Charles Ernest Rhodes, 92, passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024,  at West Tennessee Transitional Care. He was born in Scotts Hill, Tenn., on November 14, 1931. A longtime resident of Jackson, he was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Tarlton Rhodes; his father, Ernest Rhodes; his mother, Lucille Lassiter Rhodes; his brothers, Sammy Rhodes and Earl Rhodes, and his sister, Mary Ann Woody.

He is survived by his daughter, Charli Manheim; his sisters, Peggy Coates (Meredith) and Kay Rickman, and his granddaughter, Deborah Harrell (Lee).

As a young man he went to work in his father’s garage. At the age of 19, he bought the garage and maintained part ownership of his father’s sawmill. Following several years driving a truck delivering lumber and watermelons, he obtained his license and began selling real estate.

In 1964, Charles, along with his wife Donna and daughter, Charli, moved to Jackson and began developing property across the city, most notably the commercial property in the Carriage House Drive area, as well as Highland Avenue in midtown. In addition, he developed and built many residential buildings, including apartments, houses and townhomes.

After several years attending a non-denominational church, Charles and Donna joined First United Methodist Church in 2001 where he participated in the Pastor’s Bible Study and the Men’s Coffee and Conversation group. He was proud to share that his grandparents had helped build the 150-year-old Methodist Church in Scotts Hill and cherished a 7-day trip to the Holy Land.

A graveside service for Charles was held Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 2 p.m. in the Mausoleum at Highland Memorial Gardens with Rev. Sky McCracken officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the First United Methodist Church, 200 S. Church Street, Jackson, TN 38301 or online at www.jacksonfumc.org.