Alfred Rhodes, age 67, went home to be with the Lord on August 30, 2024.  He was born in Canton, Ohio on April 16, 1957, to the late Hattie Franklin.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Hattie Franklin; She taught him biblical principles about trusting God and raising above the disappointments of life. Alfred set the foundation which motivated him to do all that he could to follow the will of God and provide a better future for himself and his wife and family.

He graduated from McKinley Senior High School with Honors.  Upon graduating, He went on to serve his country for 22 years in the United States Army & Army Reserve.  His service in the United States Army Reserve allowed him to travel the world and serve in many various wars including Desert Storm. He went on to graduate from Stark State College with a degree in Business Management.  He went on to further his career and retired from the Va medical Center with over 24 years of service in 2019.

He met his best friend and the love of his life, Cheryl Rhodes and they were joined in holy matrimony on June 28, 1987.  They were married for 37 years, and he dedicated his whole heart to God and Cheryl.  He believed in living life to the fullest and caring for his wife and family.  He and Cheryl believed in opening up their home and hearts to many children and anyone of need.  

He proceeded in death by his parents Robert & Hattie Franklin and sister Valerie Franklin.

He leaves to cherish his beloved wife of 37 years, Cheryl Rhodes; Daughter: Olimpia Grant; Sons: Sir’ Alfred Rhodes; Andrey Watts; and Chistopher Franklin; Brothers: Steven (Sylvia) Hubbard, Jeffrey (Angela) Franklin both of Ohio, Sisters; Vanessa Rhodes of California, Frances Franklin of Ohio, Melanie Franklin of California, Yvonne, Shatoria, and Shenequa Franklin of Ohio.  Mother-in-law, Linda Patterson; Brother & Sister -in-laws, Michael (Mary) Patterson; Lolita (Damon) Bryant; Lorri Hubbard; Zelda Dixon; Azalea (Tim) Lane;  Nicole (Stevan) Patterson; Delbert Hill II; and Kenneth (Joyce) Hill.  Grandchildren: Malachi & Malia Grant, Sir’ Alfred Jr., Raven, Denise and A’maria Rhodes, Kwan Williams, Christopher Jr., Bryson, Xavier and Jeremiah Franklin,  and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and family and friends.

Special thank you: The ICU Cardiovascular Unit of Aultman hospital & staff who cared for Alfred at the VA Hospital, Arnold Funeral Home, Union Baptist Church, Pastor Kenneth Hill, Pastor Sherman Martin Jr., staff of Union Baptist Church, Brandon Dunivant, and Joyce Patterson.

Viewing will be: Arnold Funeral Home, 1517 N Market Ave, Canton, OH 44714, Friday, September 6th, 2024 from 5 – 7. Services will be Saturday, September 7th, 2024 at 12:00pm with calling hours from 11:00 – 12:00 at Union Baptist Church, 413 Cornelia Avenue, Canton, OH 44704. Burial will take place Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 12:15pm at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd, Seville, OH 44273.