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Jerry Dane & Gloria Marie Rhodes
July 3, 1946 — February 5, 2026 · January 16, 1945 — February 8, 2026
"They lived as one, and in the end, not even death could part them for long."
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"They lived as one, and in the end, not even death could part them for long."
The night they met, Gloria had dates lined up with a few different guys. Jerry was the first one to show up — so he got to take her out. They were together ever since.
What started that night became a 62-year love story that spanned more states than most people ever visit. Jerry and Gloria Rhodes were always on the move — from Maine to California, Texas to Wisconsin, Arizona and everywhere in between — before finally settling in the small towns of North Florida. They were the kind of people who fed their neighbors — literally — and left an indelible mark on everyone they met.
They departed this world just three days apart — Jerry on February 5, 2026, and Gloria on February 8, 2026 — a testament to a bond so deep that even in passing, they couldn't bear to be separated.
Jerry and Gloria weren't just part of their communities — they made the papers. These articles, discovered in the University of Florida Digital Newspaper Library, paint a picture of a family deeply woven into the fabric of North Florida life.
"When Jerry Rhodes first told his family he was going to build their home out of eight old chicken incubators..." — A feature article about Jerry's ingenuity, building the family home in Fort White from repurposed chicken incubators. The kind of resourcefulness that defined him.
"Mayor McGrath and Councilman Jerry Rhodes said they would volunteer to distribute the surplus products" — Jerry served as a city councilman, giving back to the community he loved.
"An opponent, Jerry Rhodes, qualified 30 minutes before deadline" — Jerry stepping up to run in a local election, always willing to serve.
Bridal announcement for one of the Rhodes daughters, with Jerry and Gloria named as proud parents.
"Michelle Renee Rhodes and Scott Foster" — Michelle's wedding announcement, with Jerry and Gloria celebrating another daughter's new chapter.
"Rhodes Real Pit BBQ opened their doors right around the holidays, offering an all-you-can-eat buffet" — The Mayo location opens, bringing real pit barbecue to Lafayette County.
"Apply at Rhodes Real Pit BBQ in Mayo Florida. 294-3643" — Business was good enough to need more hands.
Articles sourced from the University of Florida Digital Newspaper Library
Jerry and Gloria Rhodes didn't just run restaurants — they built gathering places. Rhodes Real Pit Bar-B-Que was the real deal: slow-smoked, pit-cooked barbecue in the heart of small-town Florida. The kind of place where the whole county knew your name and the food tasted like home.
The original location in Lafayette County, where it all began. A humble eatery specializing in authentic, traditional Southern barbecue.
The Lake Butler location in Union County's seat, bringing the same real pit flavor to the community.
A brief but memorable chapter — Jerry and Gloria brought their signature barbecue to the Fort White community as well.
If Jerry and Gloria touched your life, we'd love to hear from you. Share a story, a memory, or just what they meant to you.
Thank you for sharing. Your memory has been added. ✦
"Some people leave footprints so deep in our hearts that we are forever changed."
Jerry and Gloria's greatest legacy is their family. Together they raised five children, filling their home with love, laughter, and the smell of barbecue.
Karen · Kimberly · Cindy · Michelle · Michael
Their son Michael preceded them in passing in the early 2000s.
Their love, values, and spirit live on through every generation they helped raise and every life they touched.