Willis Reid Rhodes

Willis Rhodes Willis Reid Rhodes Mr. Rhodes, age 80, of Mooresville, NC passed away peacefully on January 15, 2013 surrounded by his family. He was born May 29, 1932 in York, SC, the son of the late Willis Reid Rhodes and Rebecca Blythe Rhodes. Willis was preceded in death by the love of his life and best friend Josie Cashion Rhodes. He is survived by his three children and six grandchildren, son Dr. Kyle Rhodes, his wife Ann and their children Evan and Blythe; son Kelly Rhodes and his wife Gina and their children Sarah, Jordan and Annese; daughter Leigh Bicknese, her husband Ralf and their son Cates. To his grandchildren he was known as "Poppy" and will be greatly missed. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his three sisters, Pat Culberson, her husband "Bedo", Betty Griffin and Harriet Stewart and her husband Glen; and all their children. In addition to his siblings, he is also survived by a very special uncle, Harry Blythe of Huntersville NC. Mr. Rhodes grew up in Mooresville, NC graduating from Mooresville Senior High School in 1950 where he played football and was a standout basketball player. After graduation, he attended Oak Ridge Military Academy to play basketball. Upon graduation he enrolled into NC State to play basketball where he was drafted into the US Army. He served in the 8th Army Signal Corps until he was discharged in 1957 as a Sergeant. He then enrolled into Western Carolina University where he received his undergraduate degree. Upon graduation, Willis met the love of his life Josie. They were married in 1960 and he went to work for Haynes Hosiery in Winston-Salem NC. In 1964, Willis enrolled into the University of South Carolina where he obtained his MBA in 1966. After graduation, he began working for Phillips Fibers in Greenville SC. In 1970, Willis and his family moved back to Mooresville when he began working for First Computer Services where he eventually was name President of the company. He later became Executive Vice President of First Union. He left First Union in 1985 and became Executive Vice President of First American Corporation in Nashville TN. From 1992-1995, Willis worked for IBM and the World Bank as a consultant where he retired in 1995. After retirement, Willis spent the rest of his life loving and caring for his whole family. The family wishes to express its sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. William Flannery, Dr. Christopher Poor, Dr. Sever Surdulescu, the many nurses and staff of Genesis and Catawba Regional Hospice who treated and supported dad. A very special thanks and gratitude goes to the nurses of the ICU at Presbyterian Hospital in Huntersville, NC. Their love, dedication and attention to dad's care and the family as a whole are surpassed by no one. The family is humbled by their dedication and love. A memorial service will be held at 11:30AM,Friday January 18, 2013 at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 16900 Zion St, Cornelius, NC. The Reverends Alan Hawkins and Clay Thompson will be officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catawba Regional Hospice, 7473 Sherrills Ford Road, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Huntersville, NC is assisting the Rhodes family. Friends may offer condolences to the family at www.raymerfh.com.