Joseph Alfonso Rhodes, seventy-four years of age, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at the Homestead Post Acute facility in Lexington, Kentucky.

One of ten children, Joe was born on January 13, 1950, in Harlan, KY, to Rodell, Sr. and Australia Sweatt Rhodes. He spent many years living in Arkansas, where he developed a passion for the arts. He was a gifted artist and enjoyed drawing and painting. Several of his pieces were displayed in shows at the Southeast Community College in Cumberland. Fresh out of high school, Joe enlisted in the United States Army and was immediately sent to Vietnam. He spent three years in the military and was proud of the opportunity to serve his country as a Sharpshooter (with an M-16 rifle). He was awarded the National Defense Service medal as well as a Vietnam Service medal.
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Once he was discharged from the Army, Joe earned his CDL (Commercial Driver's License) and began driving an 18-wheeler truck, an occupation he enjoyed for many years. He was a soft-spoken, quiet man who never met a stranger. One of his favorite pastimes was playing the lottery. He was a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Rodell and Australia Rhodes; two sisters: Vickie Wagner and Lori Bolton; four brothers: Ray, Dan, Gary, and Albert Rhodes; grandparents, Rosco and Florence Sweat; and several other family members.

Left to cherish his memory is his son, Paul McKee and wife, Rosemary, of Lexington, KY; two grandsons: Paul D. McKee, Jr. and Austin D. McKee; two great-grandchildren: Kaziah D. McKee and Kingston D. McKee; all of Lexington. Also surviving is a sister, Janet Rhodes of Harlan, KY; two brothers: Michael (Michelle) Rhodes and Rodell Rhodes, Jr. of Harlan, KY; a host of special nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as many dear friends, all of whom Joe loved very much.

The Rhodes family will receive visitors on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 12 noon until 2 pm at Mt. Olive Baptist Church.  Funeral Services will follow at 2 pm at the church with Pastor Walter Garlington officiating.

Interment will take place at Resthaven Cemetery, Keith, KY. Military Rites will be presented by the Harlan Honor Guard.

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Joseph Rhodes.