Jack Wylan Rhodes

Jack Wylan Rhodes died surrounded by his loving wife and family Tuesday November 21, 2017. He was born in Estill, South Carolina on December 16, 1925 to William Luther Rhodes and Gussie Worley Rhodes. He entered The Citadel at age 16 then The Medical College of South Carolina at age 18, completing his M.D. at age 21. He completed an internship at Roper Hospital. During this time he met the love of his life Dorothy Elizabeth McLeod, whom he married in 1949. He served in the US Navy then established a General Practice in Summerville, SC. After being called back into duty and serving at Camp Lejeune,North Carolina, Jack completed a residency in Pediatrics at the Medical College of South Carolina. Along with Walton Ector and William Gamble, he founded Parkwood Pediatric Group where he practiced medicine for 40 years. He was a clinical professor of Pediatrics at MUSC and held many leadership positions at both Roper and Saint Francis Xavier hospitals. Throughout his career, he was a staunch advocate for children and was active in the American Academy of Pediatrics serving in many offices to include President of the South Carolina chapter of AAP. He received the Westin Award for lifetime service to improved Pediatric care for the state and nation. In addition to his medical practice, Jack and Dorothy were avid gardeners with a life long interest in camellias, improving every place they lived with camellia bushes. They were eager travelers with Citadel group tours and friends on forays across Europe. Every adventure was guaranteed to produce great stories. While living in Summerville, Jack and Dorothy helped found the Presbyterian Home. Jack went on to serve as Chairman of the Presbyterian Homes of South Carolina Board of Trustees. He was an active participant at First (Scots) Presbyterian Church and, in his later years, at Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church. After retirement, he stayed active in horticulture helping to re-establish rice culture to fields on the Edisto River. He was always cheerful and ready to help being a great role model for his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy McLeod Rhodes. He is also survived by his daughter Annie Rhodes Lee ( Stuart) and his two sons William McLeod Rhodes (Dee) and Malcolm McLeod Rhodes (Caroline). He has 5 grandchildren Dorothy Rhodes Libson (Scott), William McLeod Rhodes, Jr., Anna Alexander Rhodes, C. McNair Rhodes Somheil (Christopher) and Margaret McLeod Rhodes as well as one great grandson Micah David Rhodes Libson. Friends and family are invited to attend a graveside service at St. Paul's Parish Cemetery, 4981 Chapel Road, Hollywood, SC on Saturday November 25 at 10 AM. The family will then welcome visitors at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway from 12:00-1:00. Online condolences may be made at www.CharlestonFunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to MUSC Children's Hospital Fund, 59 Bee Street, MSC 201, Charleston, SC 29425 or to Roper Saint Francis Foundation, 125 Doughty Street #790, Charleston, SC 29403. Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER, Inc. (843)766-1365.