William "Don" Rhodes

William Donald “Don” Rhodes, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away on August 21, 2025, at the age of 90. He was born on November 12, 1934, in Harmony, West Virginia, to the late Hayward Rhodes and Lelia Thomas Rhodes.

Don is survived by his devoted wife, Ella Mae Rhodes, his daughter Janice Lynn Rhodes Keifer, his son Edward Alan Rhodes, and his brothers Harry Irving Rhodes, Sterling Burke Rhodes, and Robert Burle Rhodes.

He was preceded in death by his son William Douglas Rhodes, his sister Joann Rhodes, his brother Estelle Gerald Rhodes, and his parents.

Don lived a full and vibrant life. An avid member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), he was passionate about aviation and enjoyed flying small aircraft. He also shared his love of music as a devoted Bluegrass musician, spending countless joyful days at festivals and gatherings. His favorite singer was Jimmy Martin, with whom he enjoyed a long-standing friendship.

At home, Don’s music filled his children’s lives with laughter. He loved to sing “The Cat Came Back” to them, always finding joy in making them smile.

He was a quiet man with a great sense of humor, known for his good stories and warm laughter. One he often shared was how, as a boy, he and his brother “borrowed” their uncle’s horse several times, riding it home before setting it loose again. Their uncle could never quite figure out how that horse managed to keep getting out of the pasture.

A service to celebrate Don’s life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Gateway Community Church in Burgaw, North Carolina.

The family requests that anyone with special memories or stories of Don share them with the family. In lieu of donations, please honor his memory by joining with the family to celebrate his life and the joy he brought to others.

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