Irvin "Coach" Billy Rhodes

Billy Irvin Rhodes Legendary Coach, Beloved Mentor, and Gentle Spirit Age 84

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Coach Billy Rhodes, who departed this life on May 4, 2025, at the age of 84. A MAIS Basketball Icon and a gentle soul in everyday life, Coach Rhodes was more than a coach—he was a mentor, a teacher, and a cherished friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born on March 4, 1941, in Pelahatchie, Mississippi. Billy grew up with a passion for the game and a deep sense of compassion for others. His coaching career spanned over 5 decades, touching the lives of thousands of players, students, and community members. Under his leadership, East Rankin Academy achieved numerous championships, but Coach Rhodes always said his proudest accomplishments were the relationships he built with his players on and off the court.

Coach Rhodes was known not just for his basketball career, but for the way he taught life lessons through corny stories and dry humor. He believed in discipline, kindness, perseverance, and above all, treating others with respect.

Along with being awarded Coach of the Year multiple times, he is best known for his three consecutive championship wins with the Boy’s Patriot basketball teams of 1975, 1976, and 1977. He was inducted into the Mississippi Private School Association Hall of Fame in 2004 and into the Hinds Community College Hall of Fame in 2013. Some of his proudest moments were being the assistant coach for East Rankin Academy Lady Patriots in the 2009 AAA State Championship and the 2010 AAA and Overall State Championship.

Off the court, Coach was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and a faithful friend. His sweet spirit, infectious smile, and the wisdom he shared will remain etched in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Rhodes; daughter, Phyllis Krebs (Tommy Krebs Jr.); son, Keith Rhodes (Michelle); sister, Dorothy Walker (Rick); brother, Jimmy Rhodes (Betty); five grandchildren, Jarod Krebs (Whittney), Jacob Krebs (Taylor), Brooke Rhodes, Tyler Rhodes (Sydney), Taylor Vinson (Peyton) and three great grandchildren, Reese Vinson, Reed Krebs and Libby Vinson. Coach Rhodes was preceded in death by his parents, Casper Eugene Rhodes and Annie Mae White Rhodes.

Visitation will be held on Wed. May 7, 2025 from 5pm-8pm at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS. A celebration of Coach Rhodes’s life will be held on Thurs. May 8, 2025, at the Church at Shiloh at 10:00 A.M. located at 2394 Shiloh Rd. Pelahatchie, MS 39145. Burial will follow the services in the Shiloh Cemetery in Pelahatchie, MS. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to East Rankin Athletics, continuing his legacy of mentoring the next generation.

Though he has hung up his whistle, the echo of his voice and the strength of his lessons will resonate for generations.