Adrian B. Rhodes Jr.

Adrian ("Dusty") B. Rhodes, Jr., Lt. Cmdr. USN-R of Palmetto, Fla., died on August 2, 2011 following a lengthy illness. He was 88. He was born in Wilmington, N.C. in 1923. He was a graduate of New Hanover High School and Randolph-Macon Academy. He received his BS from the University of Mississippi and a Master's from the University of Jacksonville. He enlisted in the Navy as a pilot at the outbreak of WW II and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with two stars among other commendations for his service in the Pacific Theater. He remained a naval aviator until his retirement in 1969. His second career as an educator included serving as Assistant Principal at New Hanover High School in Wilmington, N.C. and teaching mathematics at East Bay High School in Hillsborough County, Fla. He was predeceased by his wife Vadie and daughter Gail; he is survived by his sister Rebecca Rhodes Newber of Sneads Ferry, N.C. and by his son Dale M. Rhodes of Palmetto, Fla. In accordance with the wishes of the deceased, a graveside service will be conducted at the Florida National Cemetery at Bushnell on Friday August 5 at 1:30p.m.