Rocky J. Rhodes was born on January 11, 1950 to Ralph and Roslyn (Sechinger) Rhodes in Eustis, Florida. He passed away on December 27, 2016 at Baldomero Lopez State Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes, Florida.
Vietnam
After his tours of Vietnam, Sgt. Rhodes was eligible to wear the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, the National Defense Service Medal, three Vietnam Service Medals, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm as well as his Combat Infantry Badge and sharpshooter designation on his uniform. Rocky served as a door gunner in Vietnam with the 4th Cavalry 25 Infantry Division known as the Centaurs of Vietnam. His exploits on the battlefield were not something Rocky talked about but his awards and decorations speak for themselves.
Military Honors
A military funeral with military honors provided by the United States Army is scheduled for Monday, January 23, 2017 at 10:00 am at Florida National Cemetery.
Special Acknowledgement
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home for the outstanding care that was provided to this hero.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
I never met Sergeant Rocky Rhodes. But the person who told me his story caused me to read his obituary. I have heard many stories from door gunners in Vietnam. I can only imagine what his months in Vietnam were like. The criteria for a distinguished flying cross is: The Distinguished Flying Cross is a military decoration awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States Armed Forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by “heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.”
I am humbled and in debt for his service to our nation. I wish that I had met him, it would have been an honor to buy him dinner.
It was a blessing knowing Rocky. I knew him as one of our past Resident’s from the Domiciliary. He was truly a great guy and fun to be around. Will miss him dearly.
I was sorry to hear that Rocky had past away, he was a delightful person to be around. I meet Rocky while he lived at the Jenkins Veterans Home in Lake city Florida. While he was here he kept everyone entertained, he was funny and he always had a smile on his face. He will be dearly missed.
I was very sorry to hear of Sgt. Rocky’s death. I had the pleasure of knowing him when he was a resident here at the Veterans DOM. He was a delightful gentleman, and always fun. He loved making people laugh, and made a lot of jokes, most of which were directed at himself. I was very blessed to know him!
Oh my man Rocky!! So very sad and surprised to hear of his passing. When he was at the Domiciliary, I used to love sitting and listening to his stories about his time in Vietnam, driving semi trucks out west and working on the oil rig. And what a great sense of humor!!! If ever there is a hero, it is Rocky Rhodes. I miss you Rock.
Sweet Rocky! I am so saddened by his passing. While he lived at the Veterans Domiciliary I became very attached to him! I loved to listen to him talk about the things he did in the war. We were of the same age and could talk about those times together. And boy, you didn’t mention “Hanoi Jane” around him either!!I still have the copy his picture standing with his gun in the door of his helicopter! I’ll NEVER forget you Rocky!
I’m sorry to hear of Rocky’s passing. I met him at the Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Veteran’s Domiciliary Home of Florida in Lake City, FL. He was a funny guy and some times a handful, but we loved him. May Sgt. Rocky J. Rhodes R. I. P.
Hey Rocky, when you see Saint Peter tell him that you’re reporting for duty. R. I. P. buddy.
“Is there a Rocky Rhodes in the house!?” That is something we used to always say to you bud when we walked in to start our shift at Baldomero, but you sadly have found a new place to call home! You are now “AT EASE”, as you would say to quiet down everyone in the dining room. We miss you dearly, and talk about you daily! You were one serious fighter with the softest of hearts. I thought for sure i was going to go home Monday night at 11 after my shift and come back the next day to find your bed empty, but ill be damned if you didnt listen to me when i told you i would be back the following day at 3pm to be there for you if you didn’t take your last breath as i sat on your bed beside by you,held your hand and talked to you.The weirdest thing of all, everyone was telling me that i wasn’t even supoose to be there that day. I had to go and double check the schedule and sure enough, I was suppose to be off! I believe I was meant to hold your hand, Rocky, as you stepped into a better world. Rest easy my friend. I wish I would’ve known you longer! Thank you for your service! I will be there on the 23rd bud! <3
Im sorry, how horrible of me to forget to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROCKY!!!
Rocky…so sorry you are gone
Rocky was a classmate in Eustis and one of many that went to Nam at such a young age I hope you’re with the angels and free of any worries 💛
I am saddened to hear of Rocky’s passing. Although I have lost contact with him over the years, I have many fond memories of him growing up and attending Eustis High School. We thank him for his service to his Country. Rest in peace, my friend.
Steve,
You and family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God hold you close st this time of loss . Great memories from high school. He will always be in your heart.
Love hugs and prayers. God speed Rocky!
So very sorry to hear about Rocky…as a brother vet…I pray that he will Rest In Peace for a job well done…
Rest In Peace prayers for the family
Steve, I’m so sorry for the loss of Rocky. Even though he was 4 years older, I remember him well; he was a great legend in my mind, and a very brave soul. May he Rest In Peace in the hands of the Lord. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Speed, Rocky!!
I was so sorry to hear that Rocky passed away. He was a high school classmate and I am thankful for all the fond memories I have of him. When I think of high school, Rocky’s escapades come to mind. He made us laugh, he entertained but he was a sweet soul. Rocky, thank you for your service to our country during the Vietnam War. You were a hero that made great personal sacrifices for our freedom. With deepest sympathy. Valorie M. Boyd
Rocky was a unique individual, a one of a kind. Never met anybody like him, there will never be another like him. Rest in Peace.
Just found out today through Sue T. that Rocky had passed away. He was a friend, teammate, and a great person to be around. When he came back from Viet Nam, he never ever mentioned any of his many distinguished medals from the war. I was so surprised to read about in his obituary. – He sometimes mentioned his R&R escapades. – Over the years I have often thought and smiled about him. Rest in Peace, Rocky. See you soon tony
Rocky was a friend and a teammate on the EHS football team. He was a very dedicated player and he always wanted to be part of something bigger than himself. He was a leader on and off the field. He had a way of getting people to rally around him. These qualities set him apart and he had a desire to continue contributing to a greater calling. He enlisted in the military and distinguished himself , but to make things better for others. Rocky left an impression for others to follow and made the Panther Nation proud but in a greater since made his country proud for standing his post. May our Heavenly Father welcome our hero , Rocky, home and as Christ met him at the gates of Heaven said: “Well done. Y goos and faithful servant, enter to eternal Joy. 🙏😇💙💛🇺🇸🦅, Rocky, a life weld lived! America has been Blessed because of his life.
Rocky was a friend and a teammate on the EHS football team. He was a very dedicated player and he always wanted to be part of something bigger than himself. He was a leader on and off the field. He had a way of getting people to rally around him. These qualities set him apart and he had a desire to continue contributing to a greater calling. He enlisted in the military and distinguished himself , but to make things better for others. Rocky left an impression for others to follow and made the Panther Nation proud but in a greater since made his country proud for standing his post. May our Heavenly Father welcome our hero , Rocky, home and as Christ met him at the gates of Heaven said: “Well done. My good and faithful servant, enter into eternal Joy. 🙏😇💙💛🇺🇸🦅, Rocky, a life weld lived! America has been Blessed because of his life.
Oh Rocky, I finally found you. I have been wondering about you since you left for Vietnam out of Eustis High School. You asked me to write to you while you were there. That was a big deal for me as I was only 15 and had a crush on you. You were always kind to everyone and made everyone laugh.
I always wondered what happen to you after our letters stopped.
And now I can see that you were a hero over there with so many medals.
Of course you still are, even in heaven. I’m so thankful to have known you and to find out that you did come home after that war! Thank you for your service Rocky, rest in the peace you so deserve ❤️
Rocky was my larger than life cousin, not only because of his military service ,he was the all American guy.
Smart , Strong , resolute , and believe in others.
He maybe gone , he will never be forgotten.