John Abner Rhode, III

John Abner Rhode, III (Skip) age 45, of Bay St. Louis, MS, passed away on December 21, 2023.

He is preceded in death by his father, John A. Rhode II; his fraternal grandparents, John A. Rhode, and Mabel H. Rhode; maternal grandparents, Louis J. Breaux III and Jeonetta T. Breaux; and his uncle, Patrick and aunt Carolyn Rhode.

John is survived by his mother, Charlene Breaux; his children, John Abner Rhode IV and Jude A. Rhode; his siblings, Tisha B. Coker, Joshua A. Rhode, Jeremy A. Rhode, and Jacob A. Rhode; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

John graduated from Bay High School and was a tattoo artist for over 25 years and began his apprenticeship at Eagle Claw in Hattiesburg, where he studied under his dad, John Boy. He then went on to work at Electric Lady Land in New Orleans, Louisiana. After he left there he helped establish Downtown Tattoo, also in New Orleans. Skip ended his career at Integrity Tattoo in Biloxi due to Covid.

Skip played soccer and football, and even after breaking his leg twice he never gave up on his love for it. He used to say "If I don't get a red card, I'm not playing hard enough". He also loved the challenge of building things from used or scrapped parts. He built many bicycles for his friends and sons. Skip never owned a skateboard that he couldn't make better and faster and he had several projects he had drawn up to work on and also enjoyed fishing and painting. He had a real eye for seeing the beauty in things that others might miss.

Skip made a friend wherever he went and had a big heart. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the office of Dr. Krishna Kommineni and his staff, especially Crystal and Phyllis who were beneficial in acquiring much-needed medications. They were the only ones who took an interest in seeing Skip get better.

A Celebration of Life will be at 5 pm on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the home of the late Charlie Perniciaro on Longfellow Road, Bay St. Louis.  

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, 141 Hwy 90, Waveland, is serving the family and online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com