Eric Foster RHODES

RHODES, Eric Foster 85, employee relations consultant and author, died Aug. 24, 2012. Born in Luray, VA, the son of Wallace Keith and Bertha Mae (Foster) Rhodes, he was a WWII Army veteran and earned his bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees at George Washington University and taught there as an adjunct professor for 12 years. He was appointed as a consultant to the Virginia Community College System and developed the master plan for 22 colleges with 35 campus sites. His consulting business took him to assist cities, states, counties, school systems and colleges in 37 states. He also served as Director of Employee Relations for the City of Orlando and Vice Chancellor of the Virginia Community College system. He volunteered on a civil rights commission, as a counselor to senior victims for a police department and as an advisory chairman for Keep America Beautiful. Eric also served on the New Port Richey Land Development Review Board for 6 years and was active in local service clubs. He was a member and past president of the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs. Eric had a long time passion for books and writing. He led or took part in several writing groups and published nine volumes of his writings including mystery novels, short stories, humorous essays and four books of poetry. Eric was preceded in death by a daughter, Laurel Lee. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; their daughter, Roxanne Rhodes Hoare and her husband Sean, Arlington, VA. Friends may pay their respects, Tuesday, Aug. 28 from 12 to 2 pm at Faupel Funeral Home, 7524 Ridge Road, Port Richey. Private services will be in Luray, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HPH Hospice. Faupel Funeral Home 727-849-9964.