A former Ridgeland Town Council member who also previously served as the town’s mayor and mayor pro tem died Sept. 9 and was remembered by his former council members and staff.
Thomas (Tommy) Hamilton Rhodes, 79, of Ridgeland, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving wife and daughters, according to his obituary.
“The members of the Ridgeland Town Council, Mayor Joseph N. Malphrus, Jr., Mayor Pro Tem Libby Malphrus, and council members Bill Fishburne, Lee Gramling and Linda Tenerowicz, all extend their deepest sympathies to the family of Tommy Rhodes, who most recently served as the town’s Mayor Pro Tem,” a Town of Ridgeland Facebook post said. “The staff also wished to extend its condolences to the family of Tommy Rhodes, noting his ability
to bring smiles, warmth and leadership during difficult times that inspired all who served with him.”
Rhodes was the son of the late James Rowland Rhodes and Edith Phillips Rhodes and graduated from Ridgeland High School in 1964. He also attended the University of South Carolina and Wingate University before serving his country in the U.S. Army from 1968 until 1972. Rhodes was also a Vietnam War veteran.
His service to his town and community was reflected in both his career and dedication to his positions as the Town of Ridgeland Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and as a council member.
“Tommy Rhodes’ service and dedication to the Town of Ridgeland will not be forgotten,” the Town of Ridgeland said in a Facebook post. “We are grateful to his family for sharing his time, commitment, and leadership with our community. His legacy of public service will continue to inspire us all.”
Rhodes was a State Farm Insurance agent for 38 years and served as Mayor of the Town of Ridgeland for two years. He was also a Ridgeland Town Council member for 33 years where he had also been Mayor Pro Tem.
Rhodes had been active within the community in civic organizations, including the Jasper County Historical Society and the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce. For his dedication to Jasper County, Rhodes received the Sergeant Jasper Award in 2023.
“A devoted Christian man, Tommy was a lifelong member of Ridgeland Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher,” his obituary reads. “He loved his family deeply and found joy in the simple things that made life meaningful: cheering on Gamecock football, baking pies and cakes, and making those around him laugh.”
One of his last community service activities had been leading the American Red Cross blood drive, a cause he supported faithfully for many years, the obituary said.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Former Ridgeland mayor, councilman, dies at 79
