Lawrence H. Rhodes II

Rhodes, Lawrence H. II
Lawrence Houston Rhodes II was born on October 7, 1932 in Rainelle, WV. His father owned a hotel/cafe frequented by coal miners; Larry's renowned World Famous hot dog recipe had its roots in the huge pot of chili dogs always cooking in the cafe kitchen. His childhood was the stuff of Appalachian folklore. Days of prowling the hills with his varmint rifle, tending his Aunt Mandy's huge garden, and getting into epic amounts of mischief became fuel for the countless anecdotes that in later life his family and friends grew to know well. His earliest jobs included serving the rowdy crowd at the family cafe, travelling salesman for Burpee Seeds, logging-camp laborer, swim instructor, C&O Railroad callboy, and switchboard operator. Despite appointments to both West Point and Annapolis, Larry chose a less martial route for college, attending West Virginia University and earning a degree in Geology. He worked briefly as a clerk at the Pentagon, but soon found his calling in the high-stakes world of sales, primarily in real estate and land development, a vivid career which spawned its own collection of tales. Larry was pivotal in the development of the community of Prescott Valley in Northern Arizona. He ran several successful businesses, including one of the first solar power companies in Phoenix. Larry was the definition of an avid outdoorsman. He lived for shooting and wild game hunting. His prowess at marksmanship, honed by a childhood spent hunting squirrels in the thick woods of coal country, was the stuff of awe among his cohorts. He was an active sportsman up until the final months of his life. Just this past December, one clean classic shot from Larry and his beloved Weatherby rifle took down a huge elk which is still providing delicious meals for his family. He enjoyed vegetable gardening and was on a quest to grow the perfect backyard tomato. Larry was a devoted volunteer with the Church On The Street ministry in downtown Phoenix's Dream Center, providing clothing donations from the family's consignment store and mentoring the homeless and the formerly incarcerated in developing better communication and life skills. His words and wisdom provided inspiration to hundreds of people struggling to better their lives. Above all, Larry was a beloved patriarch to his family. In 1965 he married his wife Judy, and together they raised five amazing children, as well as Larry's daughter from a prior marriage. Larry was devoted to the daily care of their youngest son Mickey, and together with Judy helped him to overcome the challenges of cerebral palsy and achieve not only a rich personal life but higher education and a career in ministry. Larry was the joyful grandfather of seven grandchildren. Larry is survived by his wife Judy, his children - Lawrence H. III (Trey) and Christine Rhodes, Bill and Tracy Rhodes, Shawn and Lauren Rhodes, and Mandy Smith - and his grandchildren: Colin Covington, Lawrence Rhodes, Stuart & Maxine Rhodes, and Lizzy, Jake and Luke Smith. He was preceded in passing by his son Mickey, his daughter Frances (Bunny), and his son-in-law, Zac Smith. Please visit www.shadow- mountainmortuary.com for the online tribute.
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