William David Rhoades | July 28, 1947 – January 25, 2021 | OBITUARY

William David Rhoades
July 28, 1947 – January 25, 2021

 

  

 

WILLIAM’S OBITUARY

U.S. Veteran

William (Bill) David Rhoades passed away on Monday, January 25, 2021 at the age of 73, in his home in Frostproof, Florida. His battle with pancreatic cancer and all that goes with that carried him to Heaven while he was surrounded by loved ones. He was born on July 28, 1947 to Mildred Griggs and David Rhoades in Detroit, Michigan.  He grew up with his 5 siblings.

Bill met the love of his life, Judy (Helmick) at Quincy High School.  The high school sweethearts have been married for 54 years.  Other than marrying the best catch from Quincy, Bill was also a star athlete at Quincy High School where his football jersey still hangs to this day.  He also excelled in basketball, baseball, and track.  He has always been proud of being elected President of his Junior Class, Vice President of his Senior Class, and Secretary of the Varsity Club.

Bill was not a stranger to pain and had a strong will to live.  He was a proud Marine who served in Vietnam before losing his leg in combat in 1968.  He was always proud of his service and his wall of medals, including two Purple Hearts.  In later years, Bill was on the board of the Purple Heart Association    and a VA volunteer.  He was a patriot every day of his life and made sure to fly the American flag proudly. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids, hunting and playing euchre (although you could never trust him.)

From small beginnings, Bill & Judy spread their wings and took on the world.  Bill was a Sales Manager at Union Pump for over 35  years.  He was able to travel internationally for a few years, which gave him great memories.  Together, they have two children, Angie and Jeff.  Bill loved them both very much and played the role of protector whenever he could.  He would do whatever he could to help his children and wanted them to succeed at whatever made them happy. 

Bill and Judy lived in the same neighborhood or right next door to their best friends most of their adult life.  Bill and Judy and Mary and Jerry Quartermaine were partners in crime and were able to take fun trips throughout the country, spend spring breaks in Ft. Myers for over 20 years, and now still live right next door to each other in Florida. They now reside in Lily Lake in Frostproof (next door to each other), Florida where Bill enjoyed calling Bingo, taking care of the street lights and crushing cans for the park, just to name a few.  His family at Lily Lake was very important to him. 

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Judy Rhoades in Frostproof, Florida, daughter, Angela (Patrick) Henderson in West Olive, Michigan, son, Jeffrey (Nicole) Rhoades in Grand Haven, Michigan, Grandchildren, Alisen (Zachary) Lopez, Nickolas Harwell, Jack Harwell, Alexis Rhoades and his Great Granddaughter, Charlotte Lopez.  He is also survived by his loving sisters, Sue (Tom) Hurst in Reading, Michigan, Mary Wages in Poudre Cannon, Colorado and Best Friends, Mary and Jerry Quartermaine and their children and grandchildren that he was very close to. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred Griggs, David Rhoades, Brother, James Rhoades, Sister, Janice Snyder and Kathy Lincoln

At the end of his life, Bill wanted to make sure to try and do things he thought would take care of his wife.  And, ultimately he wanted to hold his great granddaughter, as he said that it would signify the completion of his circle of life.  His wish came true.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Good Shepherd Hospice.