Birth: May 1, 1924

Parents: Mattie (Molly) Rhodes(late) and Wilson Rhodes (late) stepfather

Siblings: Mary Rhodes(late) stepsister

Church: Baptized at age of seven years old by Reverend Austin. Attended Blooming Grove Baptist Church at the time it was in the Piney
Wood area. Ordained as a Deacon at Blooming Grove Baptist Church March 23, 1969. Was the Head Deacon until began experiencing health challenges and has remained on the Deacon Board until his transition.

Education: Attended Irving School to the fifth grade and then went to the CC Camp at the age of 16 years old. Returned home 2yrs after the closure of the CC Camp.

Employment: Began logging with William Lumber Company. Founder/Owner of Rhodes Logging Company. Retired as a Consultant in logging. Master Logger for over 60 years. He was first African American Sheriff Deputy in Newton.

Spouse: Edna Rhodes (late)

Children: Lura Rhodes, Jr. (late) (Walterine) & Mattie Mason (Phillip)

Grandchildren: Ray Rhodes (Wendy) of Houston, Tx; Jo Ann Rhodes of Dallas, Tx; Thelma Joiner of Dallas, Texas; Gilbert Rhodes (Tonya) of Silsbee, Tx; Troy Lee Rhodes (Inga) of Newton, Tx, Roy Lee Rhodes(late), Lisa Mason-Hollins (Sean) of Shreveport, LA; and Matthew Mason of Houston, Texas.

Great Grandchildren: Raliesha Rhodes, Ray Anthony Rhodes, Jr. of Houston, Tx; Ashley Bryant, Kayla Rhodes of Tyler, Tx; LaToya Dodis, Shaunessy Barnes of Silsbee, TX; Jermie Myers, India Rhodes, Traynece Rhodes, Lalah Rhodes, Aaliyah Rhodes of Newton, TX; Sean Hollins, Peyton Hollins of Shreveport, LA; and Ale Frazier(Harvey) of Lufkin, TX.

Great-Great Grandchildren: Michiya Harris, Greg Harris Jr., Madison A. Rhodes of Houston, Jaylen Willis, Landon Bryant, Aiden Bryant, Aubrey Miles, & Skylar Miles of Tyler; Devyn Dodis, Caison Dodis, Taylon Dodis, Nylah Bolton & Neiko Bolton of Silsbee, TX; Alecia Watson, Malyk Rhodes, Camryn Myers, and Prince Myers of Newton, TX; Jamarion Johnson, Jackson Myers of Jasper, TX; and Harley Frazier of Lufkin, TX.

Lura lived a long, full, and fruitful life with a lasting legacy. A Good man that loved God and believed in prayer. Many family and friends will mourn his passing, he will live on fondly in all of our memories.