Thomas Nathaniel Rhoad Jr.

Thomas Nathaniel Rhoad Jr. BRANCHVILLE - Thomas Nathaniel Rhoad, Jr., 89, of 191 Tobacco Road, Branchville, SC died Thursday, March 14, 2013. Service for Thomas Nathaniel Rhoad, Jr. will be held Saturday, March 17, 2013 at 4:00pm at Edisto Baptist Church on Highway 61, Branchville, SC, with Rev. Jakie Waters officiating. Burial will follow at Edisto Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6pm to 8pm, Saturday, March 16, 2013 at Edisto Baptist Church, 4831 Edisto River Road, Branchville, S.C. Thomas was born July 16, 1923 in Bamberg County, SC, the son of the late Thomas N. Rhoad, Sr. and the late Nena Walker Rhoad. Retiring from farming and the U.S. Postal Service, Mr. Rhoad was a Bamberg County Councilman for two years. He served in the South Carolina House of Representatives for 23 years. During this time, he achieved many accomplishments including serving as the Majority Whip and Chairman of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee for many years. His accolades were numerous but pales in comparison to his heart, generosity, and kindness. He was supportive of the Bamberg County Hospital and instrumental in bringing the Visiting Nurses Association and Bamberg Office of Aging to the county. He was a lifelong supporter of The American Red Cross and worked diligently to further their cause. He served on the Southern Mutual Church Insurance Company for 21 years. One of the proudest accomplishments of his life was being a Navy Veteran serving in World War II. He was stationed on the USS Croatan, the aircraft carrier in the North Atlantic as a torpedo man. Many honors were bestowed on Mr. Rhoad for his continued support for his church, community, family and friends. He was a member of Edisto Baptist Church, serving as a Deacon and church treasurer for 27 years. The Thomas N. Rhoad Highway is located on Highway 78 between Bamberg and Denmark. He donated the land for the Volunteer Fire Department also for the expansion of Claflin Methodist Church. Mr. Rhoad was a Clemson JPTAY member for approximately 60 years and LOVED his Tigers as well as the Atlanta Braves. Mr. Rhoads' generosity extended not only to providing food, counsel and monetary support to all his constituents, but also to anyone who needed help. He loved his country, state, community, family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Survivors include his wife, Chessie Hutto Rhoad of the home; 2 sons Fred H. (Debbie) Rhoad, Roger W. (Sharon) Rhoad; 1 daughter Kim R (Randy) Berry; 5 grandchildren, Rusty Rhoad, Jr., Amanda E. Rhoad, Juliana B. Palyok, Randon R. Berry, and Paula A. Kirk,; 8 great grandchildren, Lindsey and Colton Rhoad, Layla and Leslee Strother, Julia Palyok, Natalie and Knox Berry, Will Billbrough; a host of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 1 son, Thomas Nathaniel Rhoad, III; 1 brother, Ned B. Rhoad; 2 sister, Blanche Hinson and Virginia Campbell. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to Edisto Baptist Church, 4831 Edisto River Road, Branchville, S.C. 29432, or charity of one's choice. Cooner Funeral Home, LLC of Bamberg, SC is in charge of arrangements.