Preston Altman
President, Owner/ Operator #4725
Preston Altman is a native of Hampton County and first began work with Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home at the age of 15. He graduated from Wade Hampton High School in Varnville, SC and later moved to Greenwood, SC to attend college where he majored in Funeral Services. Preston returned to Hampton and rejoined the staff of Peeples-Rhoden in May of 2024.
In Greenwood, he served majority of his funeral service apprenticeship at Blyth Funeral Home while also serving as a Deputy Coroner in Greenwood County where he learned extensively about death investigations. In July of 2024, Preston graduated mortuary school obtaining his degree in mortuary science and then went on to pass both the Arts and Science portion of the National Board Exams on his first try in August of 2024. Preston then completed his necessary funeral service apprenticeship in Hampton and is proud to be serving his home community and surrounding areas as a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer.
He currently serves as President and was former Vice-President and board member of the Hampton County Chamber of Commerce, is a former board member and Treasurer of the Hampton County Historical Society, is a member of the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association, a member of the South Carolina Coroner’s Association, a member of the International Association of Coroner’s and Medical Examiners, and attends St. Paul and Black Creek Primitive Baptist Churches in Hampton. He also has served the citizens of Hampton County as a Deputy Coroner and is currently the Chief Deputy Coroner.
Preston is the husband of Elisabeth Christie Altman, who also serves as a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer; the son of Benji and Kristen Altman of Hampton and the late Samantha Pope; grandson of Susanne Dobson Peeples and Wilson Peeples of Nixville, Donna and Pat McCormick of Brunson, the late Wendell and Carroll Crapse DeLoach of Luray, and the late Joe Mike and Ruth Altman. He is also the great-grandson of Elder Robert and Roma Dobson of Hampton and Gloria C. DeLoach of Varnville. He is proud of his large family and deep Hampton County roots.
Preston has a strong passion for serving others and greatly loves Hampton County and the Lowcountry area. In July 2026, Preston became the President, Owner & Operator of Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home. Preston often says that he loves the funeral home deeply and strives each and everyday to continue the legacy of service instilled in him by those before and serve the community and people he adores.
Preston Altman
President, Owner/ Operator #4725
Preston Altman is a native of Hampton County and first began work with Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home at the age of 15. He graduated from Wade Hampton High School in Varnville, SC and later moved to Greenwood, SC to attend college where he majored in Funeral Services. Preston returned to Hampton and rejoined the staff of Peeples-Rhoden in May of 2024.
In Greenwood, he served majority of his funeral service apprenticeship at Blyth Funeral Home while also serving as a Deputy Coroner in Greenwood County where he learned extensively about death investigations. In July of 2024, Preston graduated mortuary school obtaining his degree in mortuary science and then went on to pass both the Arts and Science portion of the National Board Exams on his first try in August of 2024. Preston then completed his necessary funeral service apprenticeship in Hampton and is proud to be serving his home community and surrounding areas as a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer.
He currently serves as President and was former Vice-President and board member of the Hampton County Chamber of Commerce, is a former board member and Treasurer of the Hampton County Historical Society, is a member of the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association, a member of the South Carolina Coroner’s Association, a member of the International Association of Coroner’s and Medical Examiners, and attends St. Paul and Black Creek Primitive Baptist Churches in Hampton. He also has served the citizens of Hampton County as a Deputy Coroner and is currently the Chief Deputy Coroner.
Preston is the husband of Elisabeth Christie Altman, who also serves as a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer; the son of Benji and Kristen Altman of Hampton and the late Samantha Pope; grandson of Susanne Dobson Peeples and Wilson Peeples of Nixville, Donna and Pat McCormick of Brunson, the late Wendell and Carroll Crapse DeLoach of Luray, and the late Joe Mike and Ruth Altman. He is also the great-grandson of Elder Robert and Roma Dobson of Hampton and Gloria C. DeLoach of Varnville. He is proud of his large family and deep Hampton County roots.
Preston has a strong passion for serving others and greatly loves Hampton County and the Lowcountry area. In July 2026, Preston became the President, Owner & Operator of Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home. Preston often says that he loves the funeral home deeply and strives each and everyday to continue the legacy of service instilled in him by those before and serve the community and people he adores.
Elisabeth Altman
Funeral Director & Embalmer #4780
Elisabeth Christie Altman is a native of McCormick County and began her employment with Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home and Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home in May of 2024 after moving to Hampton.
She previously worked in funeral service in the upstate of South Carolina and Augusta, Georgia. Elisabeth holds a degree in nursing and a degree in Funeral Services which she completed with honors in December of 2024. She completed her funeral service apprenticeship at Peeples-Rhoden and Parker-Rhoden and eagerly serves the Lowcountry area through the funeral home and through community events as a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer.
Elisabeth is an outgoing person who is always willing to lend a helping hand to others. She is a member of the Seed and Weed Garden Club in Hampton and a member of Rehoboth Baptist Church in Edgefield, SC.
Elisabeth is daughter of Robbie, who is a retired police officer, and Beth Christie of McCormick. She also has a sister, Margaret Anne Christie Green, and a brother-in-law, Zach, who reside in Gainsville, Georgia. Elisabeth is proud to be in the Lowcountry and is looking forward to her future in funeral service and in our community.
She and Preston Altman married on November 1, 2025, and look forward to a lifetime of service and a bright future in Hampton County. The couple also have a son, Robert Benjamin Altman, who is expected to be born September 2026.
Alongside her husband, she operates the funeral home and serves on its board of directors as Treasurer in addition to her capacity as Funeral Director/Embalmer.
Elisabeth Altman
Funeral Director & Embalmer #4780
Elisabeth Christie Altman is a native of McCormick County and began her employment with Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home and Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home in May of 2024 after moving to Hampton.
She previously worked in funeral service in the upstate of South Carolina and Augusta, Georgia. Elisabeth holds a degree in nursing and a degree in Funeral Services which she completed with honors in December of 2024. She completed her funeral service apprenticeship at Peeples-Rhoden and Parker-Rhoden and eagerly serves the Lowcountry area through the funeral home and through community events as a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer.
Elisabeth is an outgoing person who is always willing to lend a helping hand to others. She is a member of the Seed and Weed Garden Club in Hampton and a member of Rehoboth Baptist Church in Edgefield, SC.
Elisabeth is daughter of Robbie, who is a retired police officer, and Beth Christie of McCormick. She also has a sister, Margaret Anne Christie Green, and a brother-in-law, Zach, who reside in Gainsville, Georgia. Elisabeth is proud to be in the Lowcountry and is looking forward to her future in funeral service and in our community.
She and Preston Altman married on November 1, 2025, and look forward to a lifetime of service and a bright future in Hampton County. The couple also have a son, Robert Benjamin Altman, who is expected to be born September 2026.
Alongside her husband, she operates the funeral home and serves on its board of directors as Treasurer in addition to her capacity as Funeral Director/Embalmer.
Ryan Brunson
Public Relations Coordinator
Ryan Rhoden Brunson is a native of Hampton County and is the co-owner of Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home, Inc.
She is a graduate of Wade Hampton High School, the University of South Carolina, and The Citadel; where she graduated with her master’s degree. Ryan has taught for over 25 years in the public schools of Hampton County and currently teaches 2nd grade at Brunson Elementary School in Brunson. Ryan is a member of several community organizations and attends Lighthouse Church near Hampton. She also assists her husband in running his business, Jimmy Fitts Catering.
Ryan is the daughter of the late Gordon L. Rhoden, Sr. and the late Brenda Gail Rice Rhoden-who formerly owned and operated the funeral home; is the wife of Rabi Brunson, and is the mother of three children: Olivia Mullinax (Hasten), Emma Claire Brunson, and Sims Brunson. She is also the proud grandmother of Briggs Mullinax.
Active in the community, Ryan is devoted to her family’s business, Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home and continues the legacy of service that her father instilled in her.
Ryan Brunson
Public Relations Coordinator
Ryan Rhoden Brunson is a native of Hampton County and is the co-owner of Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home, Inc.
She is a graduate of Wade Hampton High School, the University of South Carolina, and The Citadel; where she graduated with her master’s degree. Ryan has taught for over 25 years in the public schools of Hampton County and currently teaches 2nd grade at Brunson Elementary School in Brunson. Ryan is a member of several community organizations and attends Lighthouse Church near Hampton. She also assists her husband in running his business, Jimmy Fitts Catering.
Ryan is the daughter of the late Gordon L. Rhoden, Sr. and the late Brenda Gail Rice Rhoden-who formerly owned and operated the funeral home; is the wife of Rabi Brunson, and is the mother of three children: Olivia Mullinax (Hasten), Emma Claire Brunson, and Sims Brunson. She is also the proud grandmother of Briggs Mullinax.
Active in the community, Ryan is devoted to her family’s business, Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home and continues the legacy of service that her father instilled in her.
Stephanie DeLoach
Administrative Assistant
Stephanie Freeman DeLoach is a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma but a longtime resident of Hampton County. She began work with Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home in March of 2026 after working over 31 years with Hampton County Emergency Services.
Moving here with her mother and sister in 1970; Stephanie is the daughter of Judy A. Freeman and the late Sgt. Elmer Larry Holden and stepdaughter of the late William H. "Billy" Freeman, Jr. of Hampton. She was a 1982 graduate of Wade Hampton High School and along with her husband are members of Steep Bottom Baptist Church in Estill.
Stephanie and her husband, David L. DeLoach, reside in Nixville. They have four children, Ashlie (Bert) Smith of Richmond Hill, GA; Amanda (Robby) Ginn of Nixville; David (Jessica) DeLoach, Jr. of Nixville, and Holden (Heather) DeLoach of Aiken. She also has nine grandchildren who she adores; Elizabeth (Ben) Mills, William Smith, Brayden and Lucas Ginn; Laynee, Derrick, and Kayleigh DeLoach, and Felicity and Christian DeLoach. Stephanie is proud of her large, close knit family and enjoys spending time with them every chance she can.
In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys reading, sitting by the ocean, crafting, and spoiling her grandbabies. She is honored to be working at Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home and looks at her role at the funeral home as an opportunity to help others during the time which they need it most.
Stephanie DeLoach
Administrative Assistant
Stephanie Freeman DeLoach is a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma but a longtime resident of Hampton County. She began work with Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home in March of 2026 after working over 31 years with Hampton County Emergency Services.
Moving here with her mother and sister in 1970; Stephanie is the daughter of Judy A. Freeman and the late Sgt. Elmer Larry Holden and stepdaughter of the late William H. "Billy" Freeman, Jr. of Hampton. She was a 1982 graduate of Wade Hampton High School and along with her husband are members of Steep Bottom Baptist Church in Estill.
Stephanie and her husband, David L. DeLoach, reside in Nixville. They have four children, Ashlie (Bert) Smith of Richmond Hill, GA; Amanda (Robby) Ginn of Nixville; David (Jessica) DeLoach, Jr. of Nixville, and Holden (Heather) DeLoach of Aiken. She also has nine grandchildren who she adores; Elizabeth (Ben) Mills, William Smith, Brayden and Lucas Ginn; Laynee, Derrick, and Kayleigh DeLoach, and Felicity and Christian DeLoach. Stephanie is proud of her large, close knit family and enjoys spending time with them every chance she can.
In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys reading, sitting by the ocean, crafting, and spoiling her grandbabies. She is honored to be working at Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home and looks at her role at the funeral home as an opportunity to help others during the time which they need it most.
Arthur Smith
Monument Technician/Grounds Supervisor
Arthur Smith is a native of Hampton County and has been devoted to the operations of the company since 1979.
He is a vital part of our business ands its operations. Arthur previously assisted with our grave preparation and currently installs all of our monuments and coping. He is also responsible for our grounds maintenance.
Arthur has one daughter, Kimberly Smith, who resides in Columbia; several beloved brothers and sisters; many nieces and nephews; countless beloved cousins, and a plethora of dear friends. He is greatly loved.
Arthur Smith
Monument Technician/Grounds Supervisor
Arthur Smith is a native of Hampton County and has been devoted to the operations of the company since 1979.
He is a vital part of our business ands its operations. Arthur previously assisted with our grave preparation and currently installs all of our monuments and coping. He is also responsible for our grounds maintenance.
Arthur has one daughter, Kimberly Smith, who resides in Columbia; several beloved brothers and sisters; many nieces and nephews; countless beloved cousins, and a plethora of dear friends. He is greatly loved.
Robert Brown
Funeral Assistant
Robert Brown is a life long resident of Hampton County. He began his service with Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home in July 2017 after retiring from the National Guard with 35 years of service and 22 years of service with the United States Postal Service.
Robert is a member of Varnville First Baptist Church, American Legion Post 108, Evergreen Lodge 153 and past Chairman of the Hampton County Watermelon Festival. In addition to his other capacities and work at the funeral home, Robert serves as the Mayor of the Town of Hampton.
He is married to Joan Terry Brown. They have two children, Kaye and Kirk, as well as three grandchildren.
Robert Brown
Funeral Assistant
Robert Brown is a life long resident of Hampton County. He began his service with Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home in July 2017 after retiring from the National Guard with 35 years of service and 22 years of service with the United States Postal Service.
Robert is a member of Varnville First Baptist Church, American Legion Post 108, Evergreen Lodge 153 and past Chairman of the Hampton County Watermelon Festival. In addition to his other capacities and work at the funeral home, Robert serves as the Mayor of the Town of Hampton.
He is married to Joan Terry Brown. They have two children, Kaye and Kirk, as well as three grandchildren.
Rufus Gibson
Funeral Assistant
Rufus Gibson is a native of Hampton County and has been employed with Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home since 2002. He began his service with this facility after retiring from Westinghouse with over thirty-eight years of service.
A resident of Varnville, Rufus was a member of the Varnville Fire Department for over fifty years, and formerly served as chief and most recently assistant chief of the department. He is an active member of Rice Patch Christian Church in Islandton.
Rufus is married to Frances Sineath Gibson, and they have two children, Theresa and Edwin, as well as four grandchildren.
Rufus Gibson
Funeral Assistant
Rufus Gibson is a native of Hampton County and has been employed with Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home since 2002. He began his service with this facility after retiring from Westinghouse with over thirty-eight years of service.
A resident of Varnville, Rufus was a member of the Varnville Fire Department for over fifty years, and formerly served as chief and most recently assistant chief of the department. He is an active member of Rice Patch Christian Church in Islandton.
Rufus is married to Frances Sineath Gibson, and they have two children, Theresa and Edwin, as well as four grandchildren.
David Tunstall
Funeral Assistant
David Tunstall is a native of Hampton County and has worked with Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home since May of 2025.
He began his service with the funeral home after retiring from GHD Engineering in Bluffton after many years of service and worked over twenty years at the paper mill prior to that. Raised in Brunson, David is a current resident of Varnville. He is lifelong member and deacon at Brunson Baptist Church.
David and his wife Vivian Tuten Tunstall, have two children, Christopher and Kristin (Fab) as well as four grandchildren, Colson, Chance, Faith, and Jason “JT”.
David is honored to be a part of the funeral home staff and is looking to serving and getting to know people in the community through the services provided at the funeral home.
David Tunstall
Funeral Assistant
David Tunstall is a native of Hampton County and has worked with Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home since May of 2025.
He began his service with the funeral home after retiring from GHD Engineering in Bluffton after many years of service and worked over twenty years at the paper mill prior to that. Raised in Brunson, David is a current resident of Varnville. He is lifelong member and deacon at Brunson Baptist Church.
David and his wife Vivian Tuten Tunstall, have two children, Christopher and Kristin (Fab) as well as four grandchildren, Colson, Chance, Faith, and Jason “JT”.
David is honored to be a part of the funeral home staff and is looking to serving and getting to know people in the community through the services provided at the funeral home.
Randy Vaughn
Funeral Assistant
Randy Vaughn is a native of Greenville, South Carolina and has been assisting Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home as a Funeral Assistant since September of 2025. Many in Hampton County know him as “Coach Vaughn” as Randy served several years as an assistant football and head baseball coach at the former Wade Hampton High School. Randy retired from Greenwood School District 50 as assistant superintendent of human resources in 2016 after serving in public education for 43 years and returned to Hampton. Prior to moving to Greenwood in 1990, Randy served in Hampton School District One as a teacher, coach, guidance director, principal, and deputy superintendent.
Randy obtained his bachelor’s degree from Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. He obtained a master’s degree in counseling from the University of South Carolina and completed his Ed. S degree at the Citadel in 1990. Randy was named Personnel Administrator of the Year for the state of South Carolina in 2001 and was awarded the South Carolina “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2013. Since moving back to Hampton, Randy has been very involved in groups seeking accountability and open records involving public finance. He was awarded the “Citizen of the Year” by the Rotary Club and “Person of the Year” by the Chamber of Commerce in 2022.
Randy is married to the former Bonnie DeLoach of Hampton and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June of 2025. The Vaughn’s have two sons, Eric (Lacy) of Cummings, and Joel (Bain), of Hampton. In addition, they have six grandchildren, Katie, Laney, Wylder, Randi, Bo, and Sonny. Randy serves as Chairman of Deacons at Varnville First Baptist Church where he also teaches Sunday School. Randy loves working for Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home because he is a people-person and enjoys making contact with former students and athletes he has worked with over the years. Randy believes this service is a ministry to people in a most difficult period of their life.
Randy Vaughn
Funeral Assistant
Randy Vaughn is a native of Greenville, South Carolina and has been assisting Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home as a Funeral Assistant since September of 2025. Many in Hampton County know him as “Coach Vaughn” as Randy served several years as an assistant football and head baseball coach at the former Wade Hampton High School. Randy retired from Greenwood School District 50 as assistant superintendent of human resources in 2016 after serving in public education for 43 years and returned to Hampton. Prior to moving to Greenwood in 1990, Randy served in Hampton School District One as a teacher, coach, guidance director, principal, and deputy superintendent.
Randy obtained his bachelor’s degree from Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. He obtained a master’s degree in counseling from the University of South Carolina and completed his Ed. S degree at the Citadel in 1990. Randy was named Personnel Administrator of the Year for the state of South Carolina in 2001 and was awarded the South Carolina “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2013. Since moving back to Hampton, Randy has been very involved in groups seeking accountability and open records involving public finance. He was awarded the “Citizen of the Year” by the Rotary Club and “Person of the Year” by the Chamber of Commerce in 2022.
Randy is married to the former Bonnie DeLoach of Hampton and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June of 2025. The Vaughn’s have two sons, Eric (Lacy) of Cummings, and Joel (Bain), of Hampton. In addition, they have six grandchildren, Katie, Laney, Wylder, Randi, Bo, and Sonny. Randy serves as Chairman of Deacons at Varnville First Baptist Church where he also teaches Sunday School. Randy loves working for Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home because he is a people-person and enjoys making contact with former students and athletes he has worked with over the years. Randy believes this service is a ministry to people in a most difficult period of their life.
Asbury Lawton
Funeral Assistant & Pastor
Rev. Asbury Lawton is a native of Greenville, South Carolina and relocated to Estill, SC in Hampton County several years ago.
He is the Pastor of historic Lawtonville Baptist Church in Estill and assists Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home when needed as a funeral assistant and as a Pastor.
Asbury brings much compassion and guidance to families during the time which they need it most. He, his wife, Ashley, and his two children, live in Estill.
We are honored to have Rev. Lawton on our team at Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home.
(A full biography and photo will be made available soon.)
Charlie Boyles
Funeral Assistant
Charlie Boyles is a lifelong resident of Hampton County and has been assisting Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home as a Funeral Assistant since June of 2026. Charlie is currently employed by Hampton County School District where he has served as a Business Education/Computer Science Instructor at Hampton County High School since 2001.
After graduating from Wade Hampton High School, Charlie received a bachelor’s degree in Financial Management from Clemson University. He continued his studies at Walden University where he earned a master’s degree in Integrating Technology Into the Classroom and a second master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in Education Administration and Supervision. In addition to teaching, Charlie has served as the high school’s Head Tennis Coach (boys and girls), been a mentor teacher, teacher evaluator and 2022-23 Teacher of the Year. He has also been a computer science adjunct instructor for the Technical College of the Lowcountry since 2021. In April of 2026, Charlie was elected Town Councilman for the Town of Hampton.
Charlie is married to the former Tina Freeman and they have raised two children, Olivia and Charles.
Charlie Boyles
Funeral Assistant
Charlie Boyles is a lifelong resident of Hampton County and has been assisting Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home as a Funeral Assistant since June of 2026. Charlie is currently employed by Hampton County School District where he has served as a Business Education/Computer Science Instructor at Hampton County High School since 2001.
After graduating from Wade Hampton High School, Charlie received a bachelor’s degree in Financial Management from Clemson University. He continued his studies at Walden University where he earned a master’s degree in Integrating Technology Into the Classroom and a second master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in Education Administration and Supervision. In addition to teaching, Charlie has served as the high school’s Head Tennis Coach (boys and girls), been a mentor teacher, teacher evaluator and 2022-23 Teacher of the Year. He has also been a computer science adjunct instructor for the Technical College of the Lowcountry since 2021. In April of 2026, Charlie was elected Town Councilman for the Town of Hampton.
Charlie is married to the former Tina Freeman and they have raised two children, Olivia and Charles.
Gordon Rhoden, Sr., CFSP (1948 - 2025)
Former Owner/Operator
Gordon 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 served in that capacity for 32 years making him the 3rd longest serving coroner in South Carolina. He was a Past Vice President of the South Carolina Coroner’s Association. 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 Bowen and Ryan Rhoden Brunson and 7 grandchildren, Gretchen, Cress and Emmie Rhoden, Grant Ewing and Olivia, Emma Clare and Sims Brunson.
Gordon passed away in November of 2025 after over 50 years of dedicated service to Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home and the Hampton County community. We strive to continue the legacy of Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home with the exceptional care that Gordon provided to the area as well as the many others who have served our firm over the years.
Gordon L. Rhoden Sr. - October 1948 - November 2025)
Gordon Rhoden, Sr., CFSP (1948 - 2025)
Former Owner/Operator
Gordon 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 served in that capacity for 32 years making him the 3rd longest serving coroner in South Carolina. He was a Past Vice President of the South Carolina Coroner’s Association. 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 Bowen and Ryan Rhoden Brunson and 7 grandchildren, Gretchen, Cress and Emmie Rhoden, Grant Ewing and Olivia, Emma Clare and Sims Brunson.
Gordon passed away in November of 2025 after over 50 years of dedicated service to Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home and the Hampton County community. We strive to continue the legacy of Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home with the exceptional care that Gordon provided to the area as well as the many others who have served our firm over the years.
Gordon L. Rhoden Sr. - October 1948 - November 2025)
