Casey Julian Rhodes (December 18th, 1978 – December 21, 2021)

Casey Julian Rhodes, age 43, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, passed away on December 21, 2021, unexpectedly in his sleep. A service officiated by Minister Joel Cornett, will be held from 11:00 am to noon on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Magnolia Chapel South, with visitation after the service from noon to 2:00 p.m.

Casey was born in Manhattan, New York City, lived in Norwalk, Connecticut then moved to Eutaw, Alabama and eventually to Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

He graduated from Warrior Academy earning awards as an outstanding student in mathematics. In 1997, he was awarded the highest academic average in Algebra. The following year he received the highest academic average in Geometry. In sports, Casey (the Yankee kid) was lettered in baseball. He joined his classmates in all outdoor sports, loved boating, skiing, archery, sharpshooting, tailgates and football.

Upon graduation in 1998, Casey Julian was awarded an academic electronics technology scholarship to Shelton State Community College. He became a tech wiz and chose his own education forward by attending Consumer Electronics Shows (CES) and conferences on state-of-the-art technology, making international acquaintances along the way. As a tech-savvy entrepreneur, he became an electronics consultant. Casey loved music, gaming, photography, technology and amassed a collection of movies, games and memorabilia.

He was a caring and loving son and when his Mom decided to write her memoir, he set her up with the best tools over the next three years. Without his expertise, she may not have finished it. Casey also advised her on business matters and accounting as well as on numerous writing assignments over the years.

Casey was so much more to others who knew him. He was "generous and smart," "volunteered during the pandemic to take friends to doctor visits or to buy groceries." He consistently serviced others less fortunate. In the words of a friend, "When Casey walks into a room he lights up the darkness."

You couldn't miss Casey's signature Alabama and New York Yankees caps. He never left home without wearing one of them and often wore his Hilfiger shirts and jackets. He enjoyed and never missed an Alabama football game or a tailgate. He loved his cherished dogs, Kane and Ziggy and our dear cat, Bear. He was a protector of all and an advocate for all animals.

Casey is survived by his mother, Carolyn Rhodes, Aunt Helen Mitchell, Aunt Irene Mitchell, and Uncle Mark; cousins, Alex (Maria) Balogh; Elizabeth DiMartino, Sandra Davis, Carol Valentino and many other aunts, uncles and cousins.

His mom dedicates her memoir to Casey and will gift this book at the memorial service in hopes for a donation to his favorite charity, Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter.