Master Sergeant (Retired) Joseph Washington Rhoden, 85, of Florence, SC, passed away on Tuesday, September 13, 2016. He was born in Osierfield, GA, a son of the late George W. and Sarah Moore Rhoden, Sr. He is predeceased by his parents; a brother, Roy L. Rhoden; and two sisters, Lois Rhoden Miller and Shirley Rhoden Ely. He graduated from Douglas High School in Douglas, GA and attended the University of Maryland, Overseas Extension. He joined the US Air Force on January 2, 1951, at the beginning of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He served overseas in Chaumont, France, Goose Bay, Lahrader, Ramstien AFB, Germany, Vietnam, Bangkok, Thailand, and Japan, and he retired as Master Sergeant on May 1, 1973. He received many medals, the highest being he Meritorious Service Medal. He also retired from CSX Railroad as a conductor after 22 years of service. He was a member of Southside Baptist Church in Florence and was the Sunday School director for many years. He served on the personnel committee, the building committee, Senior Adult Counsel, Men's Brotherhood and was a Trustee. He loved being involved with his church. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and helping others. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Katherine Polk Rhoden; his children, Linda Rhoden (Larry) Bryant of Latta, SC, Donna Rhoden (Curtis) Stanfield of Austell, GA, Joseph W. (Donna) Rhoden of Raleigh, NC, Michael C. (Melissa) Lowder and Chris Lowder, both of Florence, SC and Rev. W. Terry (Kendra) Lowder of Oklahoma City, OK; brothers, James C. Rhoden of Pelham, AL, Troy L. (Loretha) Rhoden of Monroe, NC and George W. (Jane) Rhoden, Jr. of Florence, SC; sister, Georgia Mae Huckaby of Fitzgerald, GA; eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, September 16, 2016 at Southside Baptist church, directed by Cain Calcutt-Stephens Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors will follow at Florence National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church at noon, one hour prior to the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Southside Baptist church Building Fund or to the McLeod Hospice House.