William Rhodes

Longtime local insurance and businessman, William A. Bill Rhodes, passed away on March 21, 2009, after a long illness. Funeral Mass with Monsignor Fred Nawarskas, Santiago Udayar and Romanus Akamike officiating will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, March 25th at the Holy Family Catholic Church, 5410 Buffalo Gap RD, in Abilene with burial following in Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday with Prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 HWY 277 South.

Bill was born to William R. Rhodes and Verna Evelyn Rhodes on August 22, 1935, in Hampton Virginia. He moved to Birmingham, Alabama where he began his schooling in 1941. In later years he would move to Clearwater, Florida and complete his education.

On September 7, 1953 Bill entered the U.S. Army and completed 3 years of enlistment. He met his beloved wife Alice in El Paso, Texas in June 1955 and they were married there on September 22, 1956. Bill worked for Chevron Oil Company for 16 years in El Paso, Midland, and Abilene before entering the insurance business in Abilene. Over the span of Bills life he had been active in the Junior Achievement, Toastmasters, Kiwanis Club and Abilene Cactus Lions Club, and a volunteer chaplain with the TDCJ, serving at the Robertson Unit here in Abilene.

He was a Catholic and member of Holy Family Catholic Church where he served as Parish Council President for two terms and served on the building committee while building the current facilities of Holy Family. Bill loved Jesus Christ, his Catholic faith, and the opportunity to share with others. He taught Christian education for 32 years. Bill always had a smile on his face and time for anyone.

Bill is survived by his wife Alice of 52 years, three sons, Gary and wife Suzanne of Abilene, William E. Bill Rhodes of San Antonio, Diane Rhodes of San Antonio, Tim and wife Pennye of Lubbock; seven very wonderful grandchildren, Gary Rhodes II and wife Maria of Odessa, Alyson Rhodes of Washington D.C.; Krysten Rhodes of Virginia, William C. Rhodes of Austin, Rebecca Rhodes of San Antonio, Travis and Sam Rhodes of Lubbock, and three great grandchildren, Gracie, Atticus, and Chloe of Odessa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be sent to St. Vincent De Paul Society, 1241 Walnut, Abilene, TX 79601.

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
6:00 to 7:00 PM

Service

Rosary

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
7:00 PM

Funeral Mass

Holy Family Catholic Church
5410 Buffalo Gap Road
Abilene, TX  79606
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606

Memorial Contributions

St. Vincent De Paul Society
1241 Walnut
Abilene, TX  79601