William P. "Bill" Rhodes

1936 - 2020

William "Bill" P. Rhodes

Shippensburg - William (Bill) Preston Rhodes, age 84 of Shippensburg, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 1, 2020 at Shippensburg Healthcare Center. He was born March 7, 1936 in Hagerstown, MD, the son of the late Robert D. and M. Josephine (Geary) Rhodes.

Bill graduated from St. Mary's Catholic School where he attended 12 years with his beloved Wanda, to whom he was married for 60+ years, and survives him.

Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Korea at the 38th Parallel from August 1956 to May 1958. During his time there he became the unofficial photographer, and the family is lucky to have a trove of photos from this era. He was extremely proud of his military service.

Bill was an industrious man. He was a self-taught plumber, electrician, woodworker, and all-around handyman. He could make, repair, or renovate just about anything. History was Bill's passion. He had an incredible knowledge of the Civil War and WWII. His children have many fond memories of talking with him and learning about these world events. He had a terrific sense of humor and was known as the family prankster. You can ask Wanda or any of the kids about "short-sheeting" or getting into the wrong car (as directed by him) and they will all laugh. Bill loved to play cards, and all knew to keep a watchful eye while playing with him as he liked to bend the rules.

Bill lived in Shippensburg, PA with his wife, Wanda Lee Rhodes with whom he had six children, five of whom survive him: Lisa Gindy (Duane Pettigrew) of Fairview, PA; Keith (Jen Smith) of Mechanicsburg, PA; Deborah Smith (Cory) of Utica, PA; Kenneth (Lecia) of King George, VA and Jackson Preston (formerly known as Diane) (Kris Ullstrup) of Denver, CO; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also, Bill is survived by his dear cousin, Susanne B. Geary, with whom he grew up. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Laurie Lee Opelt.

Professional services are entrusted to Dugan Funeral Home and Crematory, Shippensburg. He was laid to rest at a graveside service at Rose Hill Cemetery in Hagerstown, MD. Fr. Dwight Schlaline of Our Lady of the Visitation Parish, Shippensburg officiated.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Visitation Parish, 305 N. Prince St., Shippensburg, PA 17257. Friends may express online condolences at DuganFH.com.