"I don't know if anyone still checks these, however I am hoping for a miracle.. I am searching for my real father, I think he, Tommy Rhoades, was him. Ou'd anyine sees this and can give me clarity I would appreciate It! I do have a pic of him with my mom.. stephabiebremer@ymail"
In loving memory of
Tommy (Bear Man) Rhoads
March 22, 1949 - June 1, 2004
Tommy R. Bear Man Rhoads, 55, of Sand River, died early Tuesday morning at his home after an illness of one year.
Tommy was born on March 22, 1949 in Alton, Illinois to the late Carl and Anna (Jones) Rhoads. He had lived in this area since 2002, moving here from Florida. He was an U.S. Army veteran, having proudly served his country in Vietnam.
Tommy worked as a self-employed chain saw artist. Many of his creations are displayed at Memories Restaurant in Harvey. An avid Harley Davidson rider, he also enjoyed fishing in his free time.
He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Diana J. Rhoads whom he married on May 5, 1979 at Englewood, Florida; 7 children, Stacey Rhoads of Tacoma, WA, Tommy Rhoads and Steven Rhoads, both of Sun City, AZ, Jessie (Nathan) McDowell of Port Charlotte, FL, Jenny Rhoads of Deerton, Jacob Rhoads of Port Charlotte, FL and Trevor Rhoads of Deerton; 8 grandchildren; 1 brother, Donald (Donna) Rhoads of California; 4 sisters, Joyce Walters of Missouri, Sally (Fred) Mount of Texas, Donna Kay (Bill) Wade and Diana (Ronald) McFarland, both of Illinois; also surviving are many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home on Thursday at 12 noon with Rev. Ross Nicholson of First United Methodist Church officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home one-hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to a charity of the donors choice.
Tributes
"We didn't know Tom very long - but long enough to learn that he was...well...a character! And not just ANY character, a very special one. He was a character who told tales that made us laugh, a character with stories that stirred our hearts, a character with an attitude that shined so brightly that the words "give-up" were not found in his vocabulary. He was inspiring - and we'll remember him whenever we hear a chainsaw, see a bear, hear a Harley growling down the road- or when we just need a little inspiration. Wish we could have gotten to know you better, Tom. Wish we could have atleast said "Goodbye". Our prayers and thoughts are with Diana and the kids now, since Tom's up at the pearly gates 'jawin' with St. Peter, sawing out beautiful angels and welcoming other lucky souls into the bliss. Marty & Don (Sand Lake neighbors)"
"I am so sorry for your loss. I went to school with Tommy ( son Tommy) many years ago in Port Charlotte. Tommy if you see this I would love to hear from you. gogetemjr@wnccl.com or 828.837.6572 With deepest sympathy, Tracey Breed~McLean"
"I a very sorry to know that you all are hurting. He will not feel any more pain. Find your strength in that. I wish my dad and I had been closer. I know now that he has found peace. Good Bye Dad. Your son, Tommy"
"Well pops, You better have known that I love you very much. Well I know that you did... I wish I could have been with you more the last few weeks you knew it was your time. You were so strong when we seen you here in Florida. You had many people fooled. I know that you were strong but it was getting to you. But most of all I was so happy that you made it here to Florida for my wedding. It meant so much to me and you were so strong through it all. I know now that you are at peace now and I know that you will always be apart of my (our) life. We had our ups & downs but through it all you were a great father and I am honored to be your daughter. You were a wonderful dad. I want you to know that once we have children, they will know who their Grandpa Rhoads was... in many ways. Don't worry my prayers are with us all and I will help with the family. We are all strong and it may take a while but we will all look out for each other. I love you dad. I'll see you one day. Love your daughter, Jessica"
"I'm so sorry to hear about your father,Jessica.Please call if you need anything. Love Aunt Treasa"
"I did not know Mr. Rhoads personally to me but I do know his daughter, Jessica. Just from what I know of Jessica I can believe that Mr. Rhoads was a strong, family man who cared greatly about his family and helped his children to grow up as good, decent human beings...strong, independent, caring, nurturing. I lost my father to cancer 10 years ago and it was a pleasure to see that in the pictures of Jessica's wedding, it looked like Mr. Rhoads was getting the best of cancer. Unfortunately, in the end that wasn't the case. I wish all the best to this family of individuals who will long keep their father's name alive and who will strive to keep their family whole."
"we didn't have an opportunity to know tom very long. we are blessed to have his daughter marry our son and become part of our family. I know he finds peace in knowing she will always be taken care of and loved."
"Jesse works at a doctor's office with me and the pictures of the wedding and her delight with her Dad was the only introduction I had to the Bear man, but I could tell he was special by the special daughter he had. We were sorry to hear of his passing at such a young age. --Cindy Schiller"
"I only met Mr.Rhoads once at his daughter Jessica's wedding to my friend Nathan, in that one day I met a man who was funny and loving and loved his daughter dearly as I watched him give her hand in marriage. When she introduced me to him he made fun of my name and called me "booger" and he made me laugh. I remember speaking to him about his Army days and he shared some stories about the time he spent in the military that I really enjoyed listening to, I could really tell those days were very special to him. He also showed me the amazing tattoos he had, they were very artistic and spiritual in nature as I'm sure he was in life. My thoughts and prayrs go out to the Rhoads family and my friend Jessica, God blees your father a loving dad, and American patriot. ~ James"
"Hello, my name is Stephaney I'm Jessica's (your daughters) friend, here in Florida. I know I never had the chance to really meet you. But from what I hear, you where a great father, friend, & carpenter. & Mr.Rhoads I must say that you have raised up a wounderful daughter! "Jessica" She is always know for her kindness, loyalty, & for her heart of Gold. =) Friends like her are hard to find! I know Mr.Rhoads if you where able to say something right now to your daughter Jessica it would be... she makes a father proud! I wish you could see the great things she does every day. Like one... she always goes out of her way to make sure people, family,& friends are happy & she is always their when you need a shoulder to cry on . Even when she needs the shoulder to cry on. Mr.Rhoads I know that no one is perfect, But I say you must have been a great man. Because your daughter "Jessica" shines & I'm sure that her light came from her fathers Love for his family! So Mr.Rhoads I say this in conclusion the day my family & I meet you in Heaven I must say it will be an honor. Sincerly, The Knight Family"
"I only had the opportunity to meet Mr. Rhodes the day before Jessica and my brother got married. I had heard a alot about him and knew he was loved by his family and friends. At the wedding he was so proud of Jessica you could see it written all over his face. Mr. Rhoads will be missed by many, but never forgotten! My prayers are with Jessica and her family."
"May you now rest in peace and I hope we all see you in heaven. God bless."