Ellis Jo Jo Rhines

Mr. Ellis Jo Jo Rhines, affectionately called “Donkey”, was born October 12, 1940, in Springfield, South Carolina. On Monday, August 5, 2024, in the comfort of his home, until God summoned a sweet, caring, and vibrant angel, to reward him with heavenly wings to fly away from this life, to enter the Golden Gates of Glory.

Mr. Rhines attended the public schools of Orangeburg County, South Carolina. At an early age, he joined St. Stephen United Methodist Church in Springfield, South Carolina. Years later, he became part of New Beginning United Methodist Church in Norway, South Carolina. He was employed at Owens Steel in Columbia, South Carolina for many years. Later, he joined Kline Steel in West Columbia, South Carolina, until he retired. Ellis loved gospel music. He enjoyed to the utmost singing with a spiritual group well known as the “Gospilaires of Springfield, SC”. He was one of their lead singers.

Ellis was preceded in death by his mother, Zearlean “Lena” Gatson Rhines, and his son, John Robert Jamison.

Ellis Rhines leaves to cherish his memories: his siblings, Loretta Rhines, of Brooklyn, New York, Annette I. Walker, of Cayce, South Carolina, and Grady Fulmer, Jr., of Springfield, South Carolina; his children, Jo Jo Rhines, Juliett Rhines, Lowanda (Christopher) Corbitt, all of Springfield, South Carolina, and Jennifer (Shawn) Smalls, of Neeses, South Carolina; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren;2 great great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.