Richard Alexander Rhodes Sr.

Richard A. Rhodes, Sr. PhD, son of Dr. and Mrs. James S. Rhodes Sr. of Williamston, N.C., and current resident of Fairhope, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 1, 2024 at the age of 73 surrounded by family.

Born in the humble town of Williamston, N.C. Richard always enjoyed reading, being outdoors, and sailing when he could. He was a graduate of Episcopal High School class of 1969, and he enlisted in the Navy first as a corpsman, which he was very proud of, and later promoted to a Naval officer after pursuing a nursing degree from UNC. After several years serving and helping patients, he pursued another passion in IT systems. To this day, the medical IT program he wrote for the Navy is still being used around the world. He honorably retired from the Navy in 1994 as a Lieutenant Commander.  He spent most of his Naval career in Portsmouth, VA where he raised his family in nearby Chesapeake, VA. He spent so many of those years with his children being the backstage manager for theater productions, supporting them at their many sporting events and even helping with schoolwork when he could. He began a civilian career in Hospital Information systems which had him travelling the world experiencing different cultures overseas - Saudi Arabia, Qatar UAE, and Abu Dhabi. Finally in 2017, he retired and put away his suits and ties in exchange for funny t-shirts and comfy pants. He truly enjoyed being able to spend more time with his children and grandchildren nearby. 

He was an avid traveler, enjoyed hiking and camping in his later years, was a history buff and sometimes a mischief-maker. He once sank a boat at a friend’s house into the river after a misguided firework launch. He loved spending time with and spoiling his grandkids. He could talk your ear off about military history, fantasy football and any UNC sports -GO TARHEELS! However, bragging about his children and grandkids was his favorite topic. Most importantly, he was a gentle, kind, and generous man who loved the Lord and was loved by his family very much.

He is survived by his five sons and one daughter, Richard (Dusty) Rhodes, Jr. of Waynesboro, VA, Robert Rhodes (Java) of Rancho Cordova, CA, Michael Rhodes (Kelley) of Chesapeake, VA, Dan Rhodes (Annie) of Fairhope, AL, Braxton Rhodes of Oak Hill, WV, and Caroline Kalmbacher (Kirk) of Kodiak, AK; brothers Jimmy Rhodes (Susie) of Hampstead, NC and Tommy Rhodes (Jo) of Wilson, NC; twelve grandchildren; and many other loving friends and family.

A private memorial service at Arlington National Cemetery will be held at a later date.

In lieu of any flowers please donate to either the Glioblastoma Foundation 

at https://glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/donate or to Preston Robert Tisch Brain Cancer Center at Duke 

at https://www.gifts.duke.edu/dukehealth/?designation=3912597