Michael Rhodes

Michael Samuel “Cricket” Rhodes, 74, of North Little Rock passed away May 20, 2021.  He was born June 7, 1946, in Little Rock to the late Samuel Jesse Rhodes and Rachel Potter Rhodes.

Cricket graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1964, and he earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas in 1969.  He served his country in the United States Army as a medic.  Cricket started his professional career with Ford Motor Credit Company, working in Little Rock and New Orleans.  Cricket then returned to North Little Rock in 1975 and began an accomplished 27-year career as an agent for State Farm Insurance.

He was a member of Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock and the Frasier Sunday school class.  Cricket enjoyed hunting, fishing, Arkansas Razorback sports, spending time on Lake Hamilton, and bringing joy to those around him with his infectious laugh. Cricket loved people and enjoyed visiting, joking, and laughing with family and friends.

Cricket was preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Paulette Rhodes; son Jason Rhodes of North Little Rock and his wife LeAnne; Jason’s mother Pauline Urrata Rhodes; stepchildren Brian Bailey of Dallas and Amanda Bailey Pownall of North Little Rock and her husband Andrew; and grandchildren Emma Rhodes, Garrett Rhodes, Daniel Pownall, Eva Pownall, and Elijah Pownall.

The family would like to thank all the dedicated medical professionals who cared for Cricket over the years.

Viewing will be Monday, May 24 at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Visitation will be held at 12:00 p.m. and the funeral service at 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 25, at Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock.  Burial will follow at Rhodes Cemetery in Grant County.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rhodes Cemetery, 2499 Grant #14, Grapevine, AR 72057; or Park Hill Baptist Church Student Ministries, 201 East C Ave., North Little Rock, AR 72116, parkhillbaptist.org. Online guest registry at www.SmithFamilyCares.com

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home , 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-758-1170.