Entertainment writer Don “Ramblin” Rhodes leaves journalism legacy  

(NORTH AUGUSTA, SC) – Entertainment columnist Don “Ramblin” Rhodes, 77, passed away Friday, June 9.  Rhodes served as entertainment columnist for the Journal Messenger & Reporter since 2021, after a five-decade career as a columnist for the Augusta Chronicle and Morris Newspapers, also with frequent columns in numerous other publications.

Don with his first typewriter
  “Don’s contribution to the music industry over a lifetime and this paper over the last years is of incalculable value,” say Journal Messenger & Reporter publisher John Stone.  “His willingness to write for us in his semi-retirement was a gift that we will never forget, allowing us to begin publication with a nationally known columnist of his caliber.  He was also instrumental in allowing us to reach out to his long-time friend and colleague outdoor columnist Bill Baab for our fishing column with Albert Moody, giving this paper and the rural counties we serve a huge starting advantage.  After a distinguished lifelong journalism career, Don finished by helping preserve his profession for future generations.  He will be missed, but never forgotten.”

Don Rhodes and Little Roy Lewis in a gag photo from years back
Don wrote frequently over the decades on local artists the Lewis Family, Little Roy and Lizzie, and Jeff and Sheri Easter.  – the editor