Frederick Brian Rhodes

Frederick Brian Rhodes, age 68, passed away peacefully Friday, March 20, 2026, at Duke Regional Hospital. Brian was born May 26, 1957, in Durham and was the son of the late Frederick Rhodes, Jr. and Sarah Anne Henderson Rhodes. In addition to his parents, Brian was preceded in death by his brother, Frederick William Rhodes III; his paternal grandparents, Elder Frederick W. Rhodes and Lila Mae Thomas Rhodes; his maternal grandparents, Jesse and Gladys O’Briant Henderson; his uncle, Stuart Gordon Henderson and wife, Charlotte Doak Henderson; and his uncle, Harold David Henderson.

Brian was a Durham native whose roots in the community ran deep. He graduated from Northern Durham High School, a place that remained especially close to his heart throughout his life. He continued his education at Durham Technical Community College and East Carolina University. His pride in Northern never faded, and he gave back generously by serving on the PTA board from 2001 to 2017, supporting students, families, and the school community with the same dedication he carried in all areas of his life.

Brian proudly served his country across multiple branches of the United States Armed Forces, including during Operation Desert Storm, and ultimately retired from the Naval Reserves. His service reflected his deep sense of duty, curiosity, and love of aviation and meteorology—interests that stayed with him throughout his life. In his professional career, Brian worked with J.E. Sirrine Engineering, Edward Weck & Co., and GTE, before spending the better part of his career with the City of Durham as a Senior Transportation Technician, retiring in 2021. He began his work with the City in 1992 and, in 2001, started working with the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization, where he served as its first GIS staff member. In that role, he prepared maps for countless plans and public meetings, contributing in meaningful ways to the region’s growth and development. He served the City for 30 years and often spoke with quiet pride about the work he contributed to—projects designed not just for today, but for generations to come.

Outside of his professional life, Brian found joy in the simple and meaningful things. He was an avid collector of baseball cards, building a collection that could rival a hobby shop and sharing that passion with anyone willing to listen. He had a deep love for the game of baseball and was fortunate to visit many ballparks over the years.

Some of his most cherished memories come from the shores of Myrtle Beach, bobbing in the ocean with his children, walking up and down the beach for miles, and ending the day in Calabash at Beck’s for dinner. Whether at the shore or at home, you could often find him enjoying the familiar sounds of 94.9 The Surf, with its mix of blues, Carolina beach music, and shag that he loved. He loved 70s rock music, aviation, and watching the skies, always curious about the world above.

Brian will be remembered for his thoughtful nature, steady presence, and deep love for his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and leaves behind his beloved wife, Gale P. Rhodes, with whom he shared 46 wonderful years; his son, William Andrew Rhodes and wife, Leslie, of Hampstead, NC; his daughter, Elizabeth Caroline Rhodes and her fiancé, Payton Inman, of Raleigh, NC; his beloved grandchildren, Cyrus Rhodes and Cora Rhodes; and his cousins, Joan Henderson of Durham and Jessica Isaacs and husband, Steve, of Raleigh, NC, who will carry forward his love and legacy.

A graveside service will be held at Maplewood Cemetery in Durham at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, with full military honors. A visitation at the graveside will follow.

Honorary pallbearers will be Andy Henry, Ben Heinemann, Bill Judge, David Hartwell, Felix Nwoko, Tim McMannen, and Wesley Parham.

The Rhodes family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Brian Dahlben, Kelly Hussey, PA-C, and the dedicated staff at Duke Neurology for their compassionate care and guidance throughout Brian’s journey. We are also sincerely thankful to the 5-3 teams at Duke Regional Hospital and Duke Hospice, whose kindness, professionalism, and unwavering support brought comfort and dignity to both Brian and our family during this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: UNC Health Foundation Earmarked for Fund 343957 (The Children's Cochlear Implant Center) Attn: Tina Gilliam123 W. Franklin St., Suite 510, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 or donate online by visiting the UNC Health Foundation Website, https://give.unc.edu/hfdonate?f=343957, Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NCMRS) Norfolk, https://www.nmcrs.org/locations/norfolk, Naval Base Fleet and Family Support Center 7928 14th St, Bldg SDA-344, Ste 238, Norfolk, VA 23505-1299, Phone: (757) 322-3134 or (757) 322-1171 Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League, https://www.dbyal.com, People can also send cash or checks to Commissioner, Edward Richardson, at 2410 Vestavia Drive, Durham, NC 27704.

In the spirit of Snoopy’s endless adventures against the Red Baron, Brian lived with courage, humor, and heart—now at peace, his journey continues beyond the clouds.