William Rhodes Jr.

William David Rhodes, Jr.

Fairview - William David Rhodes, Jr., 74, of Fairview, died on May 17, 2016, at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville. David was born in Memphis, Tenn., son of Sara Margaret Mitchell Rhodes of Weaverville and the late William D. Rhodes. He was a graduate of Roosevelt University in Chicago and a registered medical technologist. David had a long career in cardiology research in Boston, including building perfusion equipment for isolated heart experiments. He was a musician and a true Renaissance man who played and built lutes, an instrument he began playing in his early years. He made multiple recordings of his own compositions as well as works by other Baroque and Renaissance composers. His last CD, "The Daring Man," will be released at the end of May. David established a stringed instrument repair and restoration business in Gloucester, Mass., and continued that work when he moved to N.C. in 1996.

David loved being outdoors camping, hiking in the Smokies, and riding his bicycle. He owned and loved Black Labs and is sorely missed by his current dog, Hammie.

Survivors in addition to his mother include his wife of 40 years, Nancy; son, Robyn and his wife, Erin, and children, August and Daisy, of Newcastle, Me.; three brothers, Ken of Winston-Salem; Chris and his wife, Sandie, of Fairview; and Robert of Asheville.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 22, 5 p.m., at Sherrill's Inn, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, 15 Clarke Lane, Fairview.

Donations in David's memory may be made to the CarePartners Foundation, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813, or the Asheville Humane Society. Arrangements by Asheville Area Alternative Funeral and Cremation Services.