William C. Rhoades

Sept. 28, 1928 - Oct. 31, 2004

William C. Rhoades, 76, husband, father, grandfather and uncle, died at home after a battle with cancer. He was looking forward to seeing his beloved sister, Tonybell, and one of his favorite nephews, Welton, both predeceasing him.

He was born on September 28, 1928, in Plummerville, AR, to Georgia Walley and Lee Harman Rhoades. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and after serving in Korea, he came to California. He worked various jobs and then went to work for Judson Steel in Emeryville, retiring after 34 years when the plant shut down in 1986. He then went to work for U.S. Posco in Pittsburg, leaving there in 1994.

He enjoyed bowling and bowled on various leagues in the East Bay throughout the years. He last bowled on the Sirs League at Napa Bowl on Mondays and then with some friends on Friday mornings. Watching baseball, gardening and working in his shop were some of his greatest joys. He also loved to call Bingo at the clubhouse.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Shirley; sons, Steve (Charlene) of Tucson, AZ, and David (Blythe) of Pittsburg. He had seven grandchildren, Derek, Courtney, Tiffany, Melissa, Jennifer, Michael and Matthew, and three great-grandchildren. He also had many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Chester, Coy and Harold, and sisters, Marvell and Tonybell. He is survived by his sister, Wilma, and brother, Allen, in El Dorado, AR, and brother, Dewey, in San Pablo, CA. He also leaves his favorite Aunty Ruby in AR.

Visitation will be held Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Colonial Chapels. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, also at Colonial Chapels, with burial to follow at Rolling Hills Memorial Park, Richmond.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to Heartland Hospice, 901 Sunvalley Blvd., Suite 220, Concord, CA 94520.