Melvin Rhodes who won a big Powerball lottery jackpot four years ago has died in Maryville, Tennessee at 78.
Rhodes was a part-time biscuit maker at a McDonald's in Clinton, Tennessee in April 2000 when he won the $80 million dollar jackpot on a ticket he bought in Kentucky.
He lived his latter years in a mountaintop home overlooking Norris Lake.
Melvin's son, Michael Rhodes, remembers the day of the big win. "He come out there and said he'd won and I said, 'You're crazy, dad. You better go and check them numbers again.'"
Michael says the big win didn't change his father. He just did what he always had done, but on a bigger scale.
Rhodes says his father helped start a Lake City home for battered women and contributed substantially to the Ronald McDonald House.
The Genesis Recovery center in Lake City helps men overcome drug and alcohol abuse. It's a costly ministry that relies on donations.
"He blessed us monetarily and really helped us in times that we desperately needed funding,
Dan Shultz said. "He came in one time and talked to the men."
Melvin also helped people get started in business.
The son said the elder Rhodes was a successful businessman in West Virginia for years and worked at McDonald's for five years to occupy his time after retiring.
In the last year, Melvin's health started deteriorating. "He didn't fear death," Michael said. "I think at times, he was longing for it."
Michael says he hasn't had time to review his father's will but he's certain the family will support the charities Melvin held dear.
Melvin Rhodes died of heart failure on September 25th at his son's home. His funeral will be Wednesday afternoon at Jones Mortuary in Clinton. He'll be buried with full military honors.
If i had money like that, I would even think twice about charity, i would just do it....The first i would do his help out my vocational school....When i get rich, they are going to love me to death
Yes....He did do alot of good before it was all gone and he passed. He gave alot of money to his children. If only they could of done a fraction of the good with it before it disappeared.
"Rhodes says his father hel
I'm gonna say it before Cash Only posts his comment. "This is why you take the cash option."
Winner2b, I agree with you completely. If I ever win a jackpot, hopefully I can do something to help other people in need.
R.I.P Mr. Rhodes
Oh My Goodness......this ha
oh ok.....thanks for the tip.
Dear Mr. Michael Rhodes; '' I am very sorry to hear about your loss of your Father'' i am sending you my written sympathy .
If i had money like that, I would even think twice about charity, i would just do it....The first i would do his help out my vocational school....When i get rich, they are going to love me to death
Yes....He did do alot of good before it was all gone and he passed. He gave alot of money to his children. If only they could of done a fraction of the good with it before it disappeared.
Good thing he took the cash.