Gordon Rhoden, Sr., CFSP

G ordon L. Rhoden, Sr, CFSP, grew up in the Doctor’s Creek Community of Colleton County and attended the public schools in Walterboro. A 1966 graduate of Walterboro High School, Gordon served his two year apprenticeship at Dunbar Funeral Home in Columbia. After his apprenticeship was completed, he and his wife Brenda lived in Cincinnati, Ohio for two years while he attended the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, graduating in 1970.

Upon graduation, he and Brenda returned to Columbia and, once again, enjoyed a productive association with Dunbar Funeral Home until 1975 when he learned that Peeples-Holland Funeral Home was in need of a manager after the untimely death of the co-owner, Jimmy Holland. He was offered, and accepted the position, and they began their move to Hampton.

In the ensuing 33 years Gordon purchased and is now, along with his wife, the sole owner of Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home, Inc. in Hampton. Gordon is a member and Past President of the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association. In 1978, he was elected to the position of Hampton County Coroner and has been serving in that capacity for the past 30 years. He is a member of the South Carolina Coroner’s Association and is a Past Vice President of the Association. He is presently midway into his eighth term, making him the 3rd longest serving coroner in South Carolina. Gordon served his country in the United States Marine Corp and was for many years a member of the SC National Guard in Hampton. He is presently a member of the American Legion Post 108 in Hampton, is an Advisory Board Member of BB&T in Hampton, and a past member of the Hampton Lions Club as well as being a member and former Deacon of Hampton First Baptist Church in Hampton.

He and Brenda were blessed with three wonderful children, Lee Rhoden, Lori Rhoden Ewing and Ryan Rhoden Brunson and 7 grandchildren, Gretchen, Cress and Emmie Rhoden, Grant Ewing and Olivia, Emma Clare and Sims Brunson.