Henry Rhodes Jr. ,90, peacefully left this life on November 1, 2014 at his home in Crescent City Florida. He was born July 29, 1924 at Lochghelly, Fayette County, West Virginia to the late Henry and Cleo Rhodes.
Henry grew up in various coal mining communities in Fayette County. He graduated from Oak Hill High School at the age of 16. Henry joined the United States Navy in 1941. While on a short military leave he married Eleanor Frances McKinney on December 28, 1945 in Minden West Virginia. Six children were born of this union. Determined to provide a better life for his family than the Great Depression afforded him, he excelled in his military career. His obligation to the military included assignments in Seattle Washington, Great Lakes Illinois, Queens New York, Honolulu Hawaii and Washington D.C. Ever mindful of his humble beginnings he often offered aid to family members and friends alike. He served his country with honor achieving the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer as a Computer Analyst and retired in 1963. After a short time in civilian employment for the Carpenter’s Union in Washington D.C , he returned to government service and retired as a GS-14 in 1979 at the age of 55.
Over the years Henry served his community through numerous organizations. He served as Lt. Governor for the Chesapeake Club of Civitan International. During his military career he played baseball for the Navy and contemplated being drafted to the Chicago Cubs. He coached boxing teams for the United States Marine Corps earning deep respect from both branches of the service. Henry coached Little League Baseball whose members included his own son Henry and grandson Ricky.
Henry is survived by his daughters; Gail Frances Bennett of Cincinnati Ohio, Linda Jean Rousay of Caldwell Idaho and Rebecca Ann Horn of Crescent City Florida. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren; Kimberly Brodbeck, Raymond Andrew Gill, Loyd Hoff, Eleanor Wraught, Linda Bahem, Richard Rousay III, Cleo Rousay, Anthony Rhodes, Henry Irwin, Nina Irwin, Christopher Irwin; Three step-grandchildren; Robin Riddle, Mike Latham, Daniel Latham and 33 great grandchildren. His surviving siblings are sisters Lillian Roberts, Ada Mae Legg, Ruby Rickard and Elsie Sexton.
Henry was preceded in death by his wife Eleanor Frances Rhodes; children, Jane Devra, Joan Debra, son Henry Rhodes III; Siblings: Io Lucas, Jesse Rhodes, Delbert Rhodes, Ivora Scarbrough and grandson Cody Rhodes Rousay.
A memorial service will be held at at Howe United Methodist Church at 252 S Summit St. Crescent City Florida on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 3:00 pm. The Reverend Donna Cooney will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Civitan International civitan.org/donate/online-donation
Condolences may be left on Henry Rhodes Jr. online guest book at wattsfuneralhomes.com/henry-rhodes-jr
“Each life that touches ours for good reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above through words and deeds of those who love.
When such a friend from us departs, we hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory, bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.
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