Obituary: Lonnie Benjamin “Ben” Rhodes, IV

Kinston-Lonnie Benjamin “Ben” Rhodes, IV, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 20, 2025 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Ben was born in Lenoir County to the late Lonnie Benjamin “Benny” Rhodes III and Anne Ball Rhodes on January 24, 1963. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Pat Smith.

Growing up on the family farm, Ben developed a deep love for the outdoors that stayed with him throughout his life. It was only natural that farming became his lifelong passion. Following high school he attended North Carolina State University to study Agriculture. Early on he farmed for himself, growing crops such as tobacco, cotton, and soybeans. He later joined Harvey’s, where he continued his career in farm management.

An avid outdoorsman, Ben found great joy deer hunting as often as possible although nothing topped the thrill of deep-sea fishing. He enjoyed deer hunting in the community and going offshore for tournaments and leisure with friends at the coast. He shared these passions and skills with his children and many trips were spent with family and friends in the deer stand or on the back of a boat. A true master of the grill, his barbecue chicken, steaks, and chicken wings were cherished family favorites. Whether it was at Swansboro on the White Oak River for the annual Fourth of July cookout or holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas he always looked forward to gathering loved ones to share a meal and spend quality time together.

A devoted husband and attentive father, Ben did everything with heart and intensity. His family was everything to him always making a point to spend time with his immediate family, grandchildren, sister, cousins, aunts, uncles and many nieces and nephews. He was a loyal friend and cared very deeply for those in his circle. He loved to have a good time, his laugh was contagious and he was a true story teller.

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Rouse Funeral Home. A service of love and remembrance will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at Rouse Funeral Home with Father Jon Sargeant presiding. Committal will follow at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church Cemetery.

Ben is survived by his wife of thirty-six years, Sherrie Rhodes; children, Alex Killette and husband, Hoyt, Zachary Rhodes, and Meredith Rhodes and fiancé, Buck Jordan; grandchildren, Addison and Rowan Killette; sister, Deborah Rhodes Gladstone (Bill); nieces, Anne Rhodes Grannis (McBryde), Mary Kate Gruber (Jordan), Laine Pilgrim (Connor), Betsy Gladstone; brother-in-law, Todd Smith and his wife Dana; father-in-law, Len Smith; nieces and nephews; Ashley Smith, Madison Smith, and Hunter Smith; and his beloved family dog, Princeton.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to all the friends and family that supported Ben and the family during his treatment and care. With special mention to Kenny Ball, Frederick Rhodes, and Korky Williams.

Online condolences may be shared at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.