Louis "Naz" Nazareth Rhodes

January 3, 1946 - August 24, 2015

Louis Nazareth “Naz” Rhodes, 69, passed away Monday, August 24, 2015, at Baptist East in Memphis, Tennessee. He was born to Louis Nazareth Sr. and Myrtle Hall Rhodes on January 3, 1946, in Jackson, Miss. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Booneville where he attended the Fellowship Sunday School Class every Sunday. He was a longtime member of Booneville Lions Club. After teaching music and band for 35 years, Naz retired from Northeast Mississippi Community College. Naz graduated from Mendenhall High School. He earned his Bachelors degree in music from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Masters degree from Mississippi State University and post-graduate work from the University of Mississippi. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, teacher, and friend. He was known for his gentle soul, being patient, kind and loving. He was loved by anyone who met him. His peaceful demeanor could be seen in the quiet way he walked and in his soft spoken words. As a musician, he offered the listener a glimpse into his heart. His favorite phrase was, “I’m just smelling the roses.” This is what he lived by: take time to smell the roses, never miss out, watch the birds, listen to the quiet stillness of the world, and have a cup of coffee. Funeral services will be Thursday, August 27, 2015, at 3:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church in Booneville. Minister Dr. Lynn Jones will be officiating and Greg Keenum delivering the eulogy. Visitation will be Thursday, August 27, 2015, from 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. in the church. A graveside service will be held in Mendenhall City Cemetery, Mendenhall, Miss. on Friday, August 28, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Bradshaw Rhodes, whom he married June 25, 1977; one son, Naz Rhodes III of Cleveland, Miss; one daughter, Rebecca Rhodes Dodson (Brandon)of Collierville, Tenn; one granddaughter, Milly Grace Dodson; sister, Rosalind Lee of Mendenhall, Miss; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Myrtle Rhodes; sister, Rebecca Rhodes; grandparents, George and Sarah Kinard Rhodes and David and Kate Upton Hall. Pallbearers will be John Coleman Bradshaw, Spencer Bradshaw, Byron Bradshaw, Nathan Bradshaw, Will Gangwer and Tyler Gangwer. Condolences may be made to the family at boonevillefuneralhome.net.