Billy Joe Rhodes, 81, of Decatur, Alabama, passed away at his home on July 12, 2025, while surrounded by his family and friends. A visitation will be held at the Roselawn Funeral Home chapel in Decatur on Tuesday, July 15 from 12pm-2pm with a funeral service following at 2pm. Brother Jeff May will be officiating. Burial will be held at the Bald Knob Cemetery in Five points, AL. Elkins East Chapel in Killen is assisting the family.

Billy Rhodes was born July 4, 1944, to Forrest and Ruby Rhodes of Decatur. He attended Decatur High School where he enjoyed playing basketball for the Red Raiders. He graduated from Athens State University and taught American history at West Morgan High School for 34 years. When he retired from teaching, he continued to devote himself to the education of the children of Morgan County in a different capacity. He represented District 1, West Morgan, on the Morgan County Board of Education for 18 years. Overlapping some of his other jobs, he also served as Security Director at the Colonial Mall in Decatur.

Billy Rhodes was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Rhodes, his parents, Forrest and Ruby Rhodes, and his sister Gene Meadows. He is survived by his son Michael Rhodes of Decatur, his daughter Jennifer Luffman (Bryce) of Athens, three granddaughters - Maddison Patel, Mackenzie and Mackenleigh Rhodes; three grandsons - Aaron, Caleb, and David Luffman.

Billy Rhodes was a member of the Danville Road church of Christ. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, raising livestock, and just being outdoors. He loved God, his family, and his community and gave of himself selflessly to all.