Ray Paul Rhodes

Ray Paul Rhodes, age 45, was born on January 25, 1981, and entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on the evening of July 25, 2026. Ray was a devoted father, loved son, brother, and nephew, a proud United States Marine, gifted mechanic, outdoorsman, loyal friend, and follower of Jesus Christ. He lived with determination, worked with his hands, loved deeply, and found joy in God’s creation and in serving others. Ray proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps as a Corporal and Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) Mechanic. He served honorably until his discharge, earning the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, a Letter of Appreciation, and the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge. The values of honor, courage, commitment, and service that defined his years as a Marine remained evident throughout his life. Following his military service, Ray worked as a Light Equipment Mechanic for M&L Industries, where his exceptional mechanical ability and tireless work ethic earned the respect of coworkers, friends, and customers alike. He also built fences and became known throughout the community for his remarkable ability to diagnose and repair equipment that others believed was beyond saving. Whether working on heavy machinery or treasured old tractors, Ray approached every challenge with patience, determination, and skill. To know Ray was to know a man who loved the outdoors. Fishing and hunting were lifelong passions that began in childhood, and some of his fondest memories were the countless hours spent fishing alongside his dad. He especially loved Louisiana’s coastal waterways and found peace on the water, especially at our beloved Cocodrie family camp at Picou circle with his Mom & Popa or just being in the backyard with his Pawpaw Picou checking crab traps, throwing a cast net or killing whatever rabbit or snake there was around. He would jump at any chance to make a last minute fishing or hunting trip of any kind. He also loved going to our cherished summertime getaway in Amite at the Shexnaildre’s place where he enjoyed go cart riding and jumping off of sand dunes in the woods, Nd swimming in the lake or fishing from the boat his Popa handmade. Really anywhere he could enjoy God’s creation was just right by him. If he could have chosen any place to call home, it would have been a house on the bayou. Ray also loved landscaping, growing flowers and garden vegetables, and creating beautiful outdoor spaces. Those passions were nurtured by his grandparents and his mother from an early age. Above all else, Ray loved his children. Nothing brought him greater joy than watching “his babies” grow, cheering them on at their sporting events, and spending countless hours in the pasture with his son and daughter as they rode horses together. His faithful four-legged companion, Webbie, was rarely far from his side and was a cherished member of the family. Ray never met a stranger. He loved spending time with family and friends, whether sitting on a patio, in a workshop, around a campfire, or on the porch sharing stories and solving the world’s problems. He had a generous heart, giving spirit, and a gift for making others feel welcome. Though he never had much in terms of possessions, he would gladly give the shirt off his back—or even the hat off his head—to someone in need. He delighted in simple acts of kindness, from sharing a flower picked from his yard to offering a helping hand or an encouraging word. If you knew Ray, you knew his hugs were unforgettable. Ray’s faith became the foundation of his life. After finding a church home where he experienced faithful biblical teaching, accountability, and genuine brotherhood, his relationship with Jesus Christ became his greatest priority. His family finds peace and hope in the assurance that Ray placed his faith in the Savior who offers the gift of eternal life. Ray is survived by his beloved children, Ray Paul “RJ” Rhodes Jr., Brayden Rhodes, Leah Rhodes, and Sawyer Rhodes; his faithful companion, Webbie; his parents, Mella and Ray Rodriguez and Keith “Dusty” Rhodes; his sisters, Jill Rhodes Rodriguez Chadwick (Brian) and Marci Rhodes Henning (Eric); his brother, Joseph Rodriguez; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, fellow Marines, church family, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory. He is proceeded in death by his grandparents Mr and Mrs Raymond Rhodes, Mr and Mrs Webb Picou, Mr and Mrs Henry Rodriguez, Uncle Keith Picou, and the mother to his 2 youngest children, and “love of his life”, Christy Rhodes. Serving as pallbearers are his sons, Ray Paul “RJ” Rhodes Jr., Brayden Rhodes, and Sawyer Rhodes; his brother, Joseph Rodriguez; his brothers-in-law, Brian Chadwick and Eric Henning; and special friends Charles Windham and Dustan Serd. Ray’s family is deeply grateful for the overwhelming love, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time. Though our hearts are broken, we hold firmly to the hope found in Jesus Christ and trust in the faithfulness of God. We look forward to the day when every tear is wiped away and we are reunited in His presence. “Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever. Indeed, the water I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’” — John 4:13–14 Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 from 6:00p.m. until 8:p.m. at Brandon G Thompson Funeral Home Denham Springs, LA and visitation will continue at Colyell Baptist Church on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A graveside will be held at Louisiana National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.

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Ray Paul Rhodes

January 25, 1981 - July 25, 2026