Samuel Tinsley “Dusty” Rhodes, (87), lost his battle with cancer on January 9 at his home in Alexandria, VA. Dusty, a native of Washington, GA, was born on December 31, 1926, the only son of Fanida Wolfe Rhodes and Samuel Tinsley Rhodes. Following his father’s death, his mother remarried to Marion Vance Smith, whom Dusty loved and revered. Dusty grew up in Washington, GA, and attended The Citadel. He graduated in 1947, and received an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1957. Dusty retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1968, with 21 years of military service. He served overseas tours in Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Germany. His decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. Upon retirement, Dusty began a second career with the federal government working for the USPS and GSA, for over twenty years. A 47-year resident of Alexandria, Dusty enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He had a passion for history, especially The Civil War. Dusty had a lifelong interest in the War Between the States. He was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and was committed to honoring those who lost their lives on both sides of this terrible conflict. He was an avid woodworker and could often be found in his garage wood shop. Dusty had a strong faith and was an active member of his church, St. Andrew and St. Margaret of Scotland Anglican Catholic Church. Dusty was preceded in death by his first wife, Annette Watkins Rhodes (1986), of Columbus, GA. He is survived by his wife Jane “Ginger” Hediger Rhodes and his daughter Annette Ryan (Patrick). Also surviving are his step-daughters, Suzanne Hediger (Art), Heather Hediger-Baker (Ray), and Rebecca Mills, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Tags: 1947
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