Obituary of Dale Lee Rhodes

Dale Lee Rhodes, age 75, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at the Verde Valley Medical Center in Arizona after battling COVID-19. Born May 4, 1945 in Fort Worth, Texas, he was the son of the late Raymond Royal and Flora Mae Harper Rhodes. He attended Fort Worth Polytechnic High School and soon after met Nancy Smith on a blind date on June 29th 1963. Apparently they didn’t like each other on their blind date. However, two weeks later, Dale called Nancy again for a 2nd date and it wasn’t long until they were married May 29th 1964. Dale worked at the Ford Motor Company while pursuing a bachelor’s degree at UT Arlington. After graduation he worked full-time for the Ford Motor Company for seven years. In 1975, he moved back to Texas after quitting the Ford Motor company to become a professional photographer with his brother. Dale always knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and be a gospel minister. He had a passion for preaching God’s Word, so in 1978, Dale attended the Bear Valley School of Preaching in Denver, Colorado. After two rigorous years of training, Dale graduated preaching school in 1980. Years later, he graduated with his master’s from Pepperdine University. He has served as the preaching minister at numerous Churches of Christ, including those in Ponca City, Oklahoma; Fort Dodge, Iowa; Sierra Vista, Arizona; Tehachapi, California; Lovington, New Mexico; and finally in Camp Verde, Arizona. He was serving God at the Verde Valley Church of Christ at the time of his death. Throughout his life, Dale enjoyed numerous hobbies. He was an expert at smoking and cooking the most amazing beef brisket and BBQ. He loved photography and his enjoyment of nature is evidenced by his many scenic and wildlife photos. In the final years before his passing, he became very interested in crafting jewelry. He considered the gifts of his jewelry crafting a form of ministry. Finally, Dale loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy Smith Rhodes, their children, Kristi Batchelder and her partner, Martin Alpert; Shawn Rhodes and his wife, Jennifer; Christopher Rhodes and his wife, Emily. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Amanda Williams and her husband, Matt; Whitney Hinrichs and fiancé, Kyle Smith; great grandchildren, Mason, McKenzie, and Maddox Williams; bother-in-law Gardner Smith and his wife, Eva; sister-in-law Jan Rhodes; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Dale was preceded in death by his brother Walter Royal and his sister Myrtle. A memorial service celebrating the life of Dale Rhodes will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dale Rhodes to the Verde Valley Church of Christ at 2001 Arena Del Loma, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, attention: Harold Kilby. “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31