Thomas T. Rhodes passed away on Sunday March 25, 2012 at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born December 4, 1930 in Pittsburg, Pa. to Robert P. and Janet (Trimble) Rhodes and moved to Vero Beach in 1954. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Gerre' (Tripp) Rhodes; whom he married Dec. 28, 1963, and his brother Robert P. Rhodes (Sally) of Estill Springs, Tenn. He has 2 children, son Thomas T. Rhodes II (Sophie Shaw) Vero Beach and daughter Susannah (Rhodes) Scarlatos (Vincent Scarlatos) of Winter Park, FL. He has 4 grandchildren: Colin and Madelaine Rhodes of Vero Beach, and Kaitlin and Alexander Scarlatos of Winter Park.

Tom was an active member of the Community Church since 1955, serving as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Usher, Moderator from 1985-1988, and Chairman of the Search Committee that helped bring Community Church ministers Bob and Casey Baggott to Community Church in 2003.

He was on the original steering committee in 1964 that started Riverside Theatre, originally called The Theatre Guild. He built sets, acted in several plays, and was President of the Theatre Guild Board in 1966. He continued to serve on the Trust Board of the Guild and subsequently on the Board of Directors at Riverside Theatre until 1997.

As a member of the Class of 1952 at Princeton, he was active in the local Princeton Club, serving as Treasurer for over 10 years.

Tom loved golf, sailing, and was an avid reader. He was a caring soul and touched so many in his lifetime with his friendship, love, support, and generosity.

After receiving his Master's Degree in Agriculture from the University of Florida, he moved to Vero Beach and, along with Randy Sexton, started Driftwood Fruit Company in 1954, and just celebrated their 57th year in business this year. He also owned Sunshine Laundries, a local chain of laundromats on the Treasure Coast, for the past 35 years.

Tom wished in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to The Community Church of Vero Beach (Tom Rhodes Memorial Fund) 1901 23rd Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or VNA Hospice House, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.

A memorial service will be held Thursday March 29th at 10:00am at the Community Church of Vero Beach, 1901 23rd Street, Vero Beach, FL.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.