Murray Toney Rhodes

Murray Toney Rhodes, 92, of Morganton, NC, died Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at Grace Heights in Morganton.  Born on December 13, 1926, Murray was the son of the late Frank Murray Rhodes and Lillian Setzer Rhodes.  He attended Morganton High School and Lenoir Rhyne College.  He was a proud veteran of World War II.  Murray married his beloved wife, Annie Catherine Orders Rhodes on June 9, 1951.  Together they raised three children and had a wonderful 65 years together before Annie Catherine’s death in 2016.

Murray was a loving and caring father, grandfather, and brother who was adored by his family.  He loved keeping up with old friends and making new friends, all of whom were an important part of his life.  Murray had a great faith in God and was devoted to his church, Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, where he was a Sunday School teacher and a leader in many capacities.  Murray was honored to represent his church family as a delegate to the Western North Carolina United Methodist Church Annual Conference and received the Laity Award in recognition of his dedication to his church.  For many years, Murray served as the District President of the Methodist Men and was honored with a lifetime membership award.

Murray retired from Drexel Furniture after a 34-year career.  For decades, Murray also served numerous businesses, churches, and individuals as a bookkeeper and accountant.  Over the years, Murray was active, and took on leadership roles, in many different service organizations, including the American Legion, Gideons International, Morganton Lions Club, Morganton Jaycees, and Glen Alpine Ruritan Club.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Murray was preceded in death by his son, Noah Rhodes.

Murray is survived by his daughter, Faye Rhodes Hinshaw and husband, David, of Charlotte; son, William Rhodes and wife, Mary, of Greenville; brothers, Bob Rhodes and wife, Laura, of Morganton, and Jack Rhodes and wife, Roberta, of Asheville; granddaughters, Elizabeth Hinshaw Jones, Meredith Hinshaw, Catherine Rhodes Logan, Ashley McFalls Lane, Kerri McFalls Blackburn, Caroline Rhodes, and Anna Rhodes; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Karsyn Logan, Anna Catherine Jones, Clara and Callie Lane, and Kaymin Blackburn; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00am on Saturday August 31, 2019 at Glen Alpine United Methodist Church.  A Celebration of Murray’s life will follow in the church sanctuary at 11:00am with the Rev. David Melton and Rev. Nancy Crall officiating.

Military honors will be provided by the Army National Guard and Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, PO Box 576, Glen Alpine NC 28628.