Mourning The Passing Of Michael Christopher Rhodes

Today I have to share with you the worst news I think any of us ever hear. Some of you have heard this news, many of you likely have not. Things have not been business as usual the past month.

It is with a very heavy heart that I tell you of the passing of the oldest son of Mike Rhodes, our Advertising Director. Mike was at home on a Sunday evening, April 23, as his wife Tracey and two boys, Michael and Adam, and Michael’s girlfriend, Brittany Smith, were traveling home after a Spring Break trip.

During a thunderstorm, the car hydroplaned into oncoming traffic. Michael and Brittany did not survive the accident. Tracey and the other driver are still facing a long road toward recovery, but their outlook is positive. The three families whose members were in the wreck, the GON family, the school and church families and the entire Morgan County community have been in mourning.

Michael Christopher Rhodes
April 11, 1999 – April 23, 2017

Michael was successful at school, at football and wrestling, at church, and most importantly, he was successful with people. He always had a smile and a positive outlook. If you attended an Outdoor Blast, you might have met Michael at the GON booth. He wasn’t on Facebook much, but he listed his place of employment as Georgia Outdoor News and his occupation as Director of Fun.

We all were very proud of Michael Rhodes.

A week or two before the accident, as he stood on the cusp of graduation, of moving on to college and adulthood, Michael looked back and penned a poem for a school Literature assignment.

I can find no better words than his own to share as we mourn and honor the life we have lost, a member of the GON family, Michael Christopher Rhodes.

I was raised by a family

A competition in every game night

A new story for every campfire 

A new car game for every road trip 

“Are we there yet?”

I was raised by sports

A football game every Friday   

Tailgates every Saturday 

Wrestling tournament every weekend   

“Who does UGA play this week?”   

I was raised by adventure 

A camping trip every fall break 

A beach trip every summer 

Long drives to go snowboard 

“I can’t wait till we get there.”   

I was raised by tradition 

Opening one present the night before Christmas 

Playing Blackout Bingo every Sunday after church   

A fun ride to Sanford Stadium for every Georgia game   

“What time are we leaving for the game?”   

I was raised by determination 

A new sport even if you didn’t know what to do 

Practicing every day to get better 

Going to sleep thinking about how to make yourself better 

“Practice makes perfect.” 

I was Raised