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GEORGE RHODES Obituary
GEORGE ROBERT RHODES, JR., Ph.D.
On January 4, 2015, at Virginia Hospital Center. He was predeceased by his wife, Doris Smith Rhodes of 47 years, December 26, 2013. Dr. Rhodes was a beloved principal of McKinley High School and retired from DC Public Schools as the Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools. He also was retired after careers in the US Department of Education, and an 8 year position at Howard University. Left to mourn him are two cousins, Ida Smith of Silver Spring, MD and Roland Salaam of Brooklyn, NY. He is fondly remembered by devoted friends, Michael Grant, Eloise Brown, Wesley Days, and Elora Kilgore. Service will be held on January 20, 2015 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 2700 19th Street South, Arlington, VA 22204. Viewing at 10 a.m. with Mass to follow at 11 a.m. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, at Georgia Ave. and Aspen Hill Rd. in Silver Spring, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Notre Dame University, 400 Main Building Notre Dame, IN 46556 or Our Lady Queen of Peace. Arrangements by McGuire.www.mcguire-services.com
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Memories and Condolences
for GEORGE RHODES
Sponsored by Ida FernandersI Smith, cousin.
James Gladden
October 19, 2017
Mr. Rhodes helped me to understand math. Without his help I would not have been able to have been an international banker and professor of International Finance.
Paulette Pettigrew
April 13, 2015
Mr. Rhodes, I don't know of another teacher or principal that I have heard so many students feel so endeared to. I know you knew how much I cared for you and that feeling never waned. You had a way of making students feel as though their opinions matter. I used to tell people that you were like a present-day Socrates. You meant more to me than any other teacher I've ever had, including professors. May you rest in peace.
OUR DR. GEORGE R. RHODES, JR.
Patricia THOMPSON FAGGETT
February 12, 2015
DEAR DR. RHODES, THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE TIMES AT MCKINLEY THE VERY BEST. BECAUSE OF YOU AND YOUR FACILITY, WE LEARNED, WE LOVED, AND WE DEVELOPED INTO BETTER HUMANS. THANK YOU FOR THE HEAD START, I WISH WE COULD HAVE CLONED YOU. NOT GOING TO SAY GOODBYE. SEE YOU LATER. PATRICIA ANN THOMPSON FAGGETT, CLASS OF 1966...TECHITE FOREVER!
February 11, 2015
Rest in Peace, Mr. Rhodes.
Maxine Maye
McKinley class of 1965
Geneva Creighton-Riverate
January 31, 2015
Mr. Rhodes. You were the Greatest Principal of all times. Everyone loved you and you bowed tough love when necessary! Rest in Peace.
penny brooks
January 24, 2015
you were the wind beneath my wings. you were determined that my adolescence energies were going to be harnessed into a positive direction and it worked. For that, I will always be thankful
Annie Mack
January 23, 2015
Dr. Rhodes was my mentor and responsible for my successful professional career with the US Department of Education. He was also responsible for my becoming a Policy Fellow, with the Institute of Educational Leadership, which opened many doors doing my tenure at the department and after retirement. I will always be greatful for the opportunity he afforded me. He was an outstanding individual and will be truly missed. Annie Reeves Mack, Class of l959 McKinley High School.
Dale Bethel
January 22, 2015
Thank you Dr. Rhodes, "The McKinley Way" became a way of life. We were blessed to have been your students and your friends.
Karen Boyd
January 20, 2015
Dr. Rhodes, you set the bar for excellence as a principal. I always felt safe, nurtured, and appreciated as a student at McKinley. Going to high school was a such a positive experience because of the environment you created for us.
We were very lucky kids.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
The Family of the late Mrs. Emma W. Thomas.
Douglas Tardio
January 20, 2015
I met George in 1984 as a struggling sophomore at Landon School in Bethesda. Over the course of the next 30 years he became my life tutor, mentor, confidant and friend. George and Doris were at my high school graduation, college graduation, wedding and in attendance for the christening of my first child. He was always there for me. I would call him from college, just to talk and for him to give me balance. Later throughout my career, the same calls where he gave me insight and vision. He was, as so many others have stated, a great man. It was an honor to have known him and to share my life and my family's life with him. He will always be there for me as his calming words of encouragement will never be forgotten.
January 20, 2015
Dr. Rhodes, was a role model to many. As a student at McKinley Technical Highs School, I got to see him in action as he always looked out for all of us. Dr. Rhodes was good and faithful servant who will be missed by many. Rest in Peace Dr. Rhodes.
Cheryl McIlvaine Whisonant Class of '68.
Sharon Clarke
January 19, 2015
We really loved and admired Principal Rhodes. He truly was the best of the best!
Edward Lynch Tech '63
January 19, 2015
I did not know this great man had died until this evening Jan 19. Dr. Rhodes' positive and formative impact on generations is shown by: 1) John Haywood--a classmate from elementary and JHS who did not graduate from Tech told me that Mr. Rhodes was with us at the all Tech November 2013 reunion. I visited with him. b) This same former classmate told Jack White to call me today about Dr. Rhodes' passing. Thankfully, Jack called and I can be a part of this wonderful tribute to scholarship and service with humility and agape love.
January 19, 2015
Dr. Rhodes was a wonderful man. He and Mrs. Rhodes were my "DC parents." I will always keep you in my heart.
Kenneth Irby
January 19, 2015
To the Rhodes family, he was a great mentor and educator we will greatly miss him.
January 19, 2015
I had the wonderful privilege to attend Dr. Rhodes' retirement celebration at the U.S. Department of Education several years ago. His wife Doris and I were colleagues in the DC. Public Schools. It is ironic that it was his guests from the Dept. of Ed. back in 1965/66 that were invited and sparked the infamous "assembly" that Dr. Rhodes responded to forever impact our lives. It was this assembly for the class of 66 that he showed us our destination and identity. Dr. Rhodes, Doris and I also were in attendance at a LifeSpring retreat where George was to transpose from George Jefferson of Good Times to Ike Turner, of Ike and Tina. Doris and I were some of the Ikettes with other blacks in our section of the Retreat. He did it, both characters, in grand style !! Rest in Peace Dr. Rhodes, a man of all seasons and all times.
Penny Myers-Brooks
January 18, 2015
He was an educator who demanded high standards and expectations from his students. Many of us owe our social standing and civility to the values that he instilled in us
Dr. Velma Smith
January 18, 2015
Dr. Rhodes was a remarkable leader who instilled in his students the spirit of excellence! I remember his voice as if it were yesterday "This is not the McKinley way." Well done Dr. Rhodes. Rest in peace! Rev. Dr. Velma (Coles) Smith, Class of 68
India Harris Winstead
January 18, 2015
Beloved of many. Thank God for his life. Well done Dr. Rhodes. Class of '69
Barbara Currie
January 18, 2015
To the Rhodes family. It is hard to express the love and respect I had and still have for Dr. Rhodes. He was seen as kind and intelligent to all of us at Tech. He loved us and we loved him. I know that when he transitioned from this world to the next , he heard, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Barbara Stanley Currie '69.
Johnarthur Lightfoot
January 18, 2015
Mr. Rhodes was my math teacher in the seventh grade at Taft Junior High School, and again when Taft's ninth grade moved to McKinley. Although he earned and deserved the title of “Dr.”, he will be remembered more as the strong and effective “Mentor”. To me, he epitomized the idea of a man who was respected by all, regardless of educational accomplishments. With a calm but firm manner, he was a man who encouraged, demanded, and expected the best from all his students. The “best” applied not only to math, but to character as well. As I continually progressed through high school and college as a math major, I was always aware of the fact that the roots of my interest in math rested in those years under his leadership. As things evolved after college, I decided to pursue a career in computer programming (the term Information Technology was still a few decades away). However, from my days in college to today, Mr. Rhodes' influence has stayed with me. It lies in the form of my desire and sense of obligation to use my math skills to tutor those who struggle in that area. It leads me to be a part of many programs that are established for that purpose. One cannot measure the magnitude of Mr. Rhodes' influence, or the number of lives he impacted in a positive way. That legacy continues in the acts of those who were fortunate enough to be the benefactors of his influence. May God bless him, and may he always rest in peace. I also wish to express my condolences to the family for their loss.
Johnarthur Lightfoot (McKinley Class of 1965)
Henry Houston, Jr.- Class of '68
January 17, 2015
He followed us from Taft Jr. High to McKinley Tech and I'm so glad he did. Dr. Rhodes was a great leader and an inspiration to us all. When he said "That's not the McKinley Way", you knew you better get it right and walk straight. That saying 'The McKinley Way' will remain with us for the rest of out lives. My condolences and prayers go out to the family. All of us will never forget Dr. Rhodes because that's 'The McKinley Way'
Della Lockett
January 17, 2015
George, your big smile will be missed, especially when Mom and I would visit with potato salad and pound cake. I know you will be glad to be united with Doris who passed a year ago this past December and know you both are celebrating being back together. Rest in Peace. Naomi and Della
Richard Green
January 17, 2015
In the bible Job asked"if a abled body man dies, can he live again?" Gods word has the sayings of everlasting life!
Dorothy Freeman Crawley (1968)
January 17, 2015
You were the type of educator that students will always remember. Taft Junior High and McKinley Tech became special because of you.
January 15, 2015
Dr. Rhodes was my 7th grade homeroom teacher at Taft Jr. H.S. Great man, great teacher.
Virgil White
MTAA
WDC
Nelson, Barbara, Gloria Adams
January 15, 2015
Dr. Rhodes,
What a legacy you left behind here on earth, a great impact on the lives of others. You will always be remembered as a great educator, for your uniqueness and compassion. It was indeed a pleasure attending McKinley High School under your leadership. The lord said “well done, thou good and faithful servant”. We will embrace what you have instilled in us forever.
Bernard Hoerbelt
January 14, 2015
I am sorry to hear of the passing of George Rhodes and express my sincere sympathies to the family. While at Taft Jr. High school I was in his algebra class the first year he was a teacher there. He took another student and me aside and gave us a special book to study out of. My career as a Mathematics Professor in upstate New York I attribute directly to his efforts. He brought me "out of my shell" and instilled a strong academic attitude at a time (1954) when my fellow students were out of school picketing because of integration.
Rev. Dr. Jordan Davis
January 14, 2015
I remember like it was yesterday the voice of the man in the auditorium saying, "You are now Techites."
Dr. Rhodes was an inspiration for us all. He cared about us like we were his children. He gave us ideals to reach for.
I ask God for the family to have peace and to know we will see him again.
L. Beacj
January 14, 2015
I am sorry for your loss, Mr. Rhodes was a awesome educator and leader.
Robin Barnes Chandler
January 14, 2015
George and Doris were our neighbors for more than 12 years. Both were warm, kind people who impressed my family with their modesty given their many accomplishments. George was stately until age forced his joints to rebel but he always remained thoughtful, elegant, and a model of patience. He tutored many young people at his home across the years; I was touched to read the tributes of so many of his students. I see in those comments a man who offered intelligence, respect, and high standards and got all of that in return. George is very proud of his legacy, I'm sure, as he should be. Both George and Doris are missed. I think of you often.
McCarthy
January 14, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. May the Most High God comfort you as you mourn the loss of your loved one. (Psalm 83:18)
Pat Green Wright
January 14, 2015
I have so many warm, treasured memories of Dr. Rhodes. He was both my high school principal and my mathematics tutor every Saturday for three years. On core principles he was unwavering and he demanded the highest standards of decorum and educational commitment and achievement from us all through his firm, yet kind and gentle manner. He touched and changed lives not only by what he taught (academically and socially), but also by “his walk”. He truly earned and has the deep adoration of so many of us.
While I am saddened by his passing, I also celebrate his life and thank him for developing and molding so many of us who were mentored by him as he guided us through those critical teen years. I can only pray that we have applied his lessons in our own lives to make him proud. He inspired me to strive to be all that I could be. With his passing I have a new motivation to live my life in a way that is worthy of being called his student.
My sincere condolences to his family... Dr Rhodes now walks in the sunshine of God's love.
Pat Green Wright
McKinley Class of ‘66
Berndadette Looper-Scott
January 13, 2015
as i member of the class of 1968 Dr.Rhodes is the only principal I remember. He had such an in-pack on everyone this was a time of the civil rights movement and the war in Vietnam it was a time of coming of age for all of us. DR.Rhodes made since of it all for us. One of the many things he would say "There's the right way,the wrong way and the Tech way we will do it the Tech way. You will be in our hearts and minds forever..
Marvin Hightower
January 13, 2015
George Rhodes was my math teacher when I arrived at Taft Junior High School in 1959. Although he did not teach me in later grades, he remained an unforgettable and pervasive presence. He was warm and approachable, but he was no pushover. He always demanded our best. And of course, we dubbed him "Dusty"!
Because of a baby-boom crunch, Taft needed more space, so we got exported to McKinley for ninth-grade classes. Mr. Rhodes came with us as our principal before we became true high-school students.
I remember so many things about this man: how he held the chalk when he wasn't scribbling on the blackboard, how he paced before the class and walked the halls, how his resonant voice made the classroom sing.
Many of the math lessons have long since faded, but Mr. Rhodes said two things that I have never forgotten and have often passed on:
(1) "I don't care if it takes you ten times. Just get the right answer!"
(2) "The two most dangerous words in the English language are 'always' and 'never.' "
For me, Mr. Rhodes's death marks the full passing of an era that cannot come again. He is perhaps the last of the many exceptionally gifted and dedicated teachers who helped shape what I and so many others have become today.
We thank you, Mr. Rhodes, and we bless your name.
But most of all, we love you.
Charles Dunson
January 13, 2015
Our beloved McKinley Tech Principal transformed Tech into a place where it was safe to be yourself as a teenager at a DC inner city public school. Students from each quadrant of the city attended and with his direction became lifelong friends by following "the McKinley Way".
God blessed us all with "Mr. Rhodes" and we must continue to carry on his Legacy through the lessons learned while under his stewardship.
Elsie Spivey
January 13, 2015
Dr. Rhodes was a loving and caring principle and the reunion of "68" will never be the same but we will always remember the McKinley Way.
Elsie M. Spivey- Charles County, MD
January 12, 2015
They say that the Lord puts angels into our lives to lead us and guide us. Mr. Rhodes was just that, an angel, best friend, teacher, mentor, educator. I can still see him at Taft and McKinley, walking with his head held high and his hand in his pocket. He always had a kind word for you whether you were in class, walking to class or caught doing something wrong. His legacy of teaching us to respect ourselves as well as others was astounding. Integrity, respect, teaching, and his quiet demeanor were the gifts that God graced him with and he leaves those gifts with us in remembrance of him and in ourselves as well. There is a new job for him in heaven and he is still looking out for us. May the good Lord continue to hold his family close. RIP my good friend/ass't principal/principal, you will always be remembered. Judi Butler, class of McKinley Tech 1968.
Llewellyn Berry
January 12, 2015
Dr. George Rhodes
When he was principal at McKinley, the students dubbed him, "Soul Man" He would smile and chuckle at that.
He was such a dear, dear man. I knew him from my days at Taft when he taught math and then into McKinley when he came with the 9th grade there. Later in my professional life as a teacher he was a vigorous supporter of the program in which I taught photography (the Literary Arts Program) and the program I founded,( the Urban Journalism Workshop).
Many years ago while I was at Taft, Dr. Rhodes was principal of the Summer School at Mac Farland. I was there that summer and hated it so much I cut often to attend the YMCA summer Day Camp. When I returned to summer school, Dr. Rhodes called me to his office and with his characteristic head- tilted - upward, he said quietly but firmly: "Llewellyn it is admirable that you attend day camp, however, you need to learn mathematics, okay?" I said, "Yes, Mr. Rhodes. I never missed another day and I passed math
He and I laughed about that when I reminded him of that incident.
About 7 years ago I would chat with him often about education in general. Occasionally he would be called to offer testimony on specific pending congressional legislation.
He and his beloved Doris visited me and I was thrilled beyond belief that we had attained a subsequent personal relationship. We were friends. I still saw him as my teacher and mentor, but now there was yet a new level of respect as he sought my opinions on education and we would chat for long periods of time until he was very tired.
They both liked my artwork but would not accept it as a gift and purchased three small prints.
. He was a stellar human being, a wonderful teacher and in the end, also my friend.
In our professional and personal lives we encounter so many very small people who think they are large but, I and so many others have been blessed to have known a real, honest giant of a man in Dr. George Rhodes.
John Ferrell
January 12, 2015
Dr. Rhodes set an example as a proud strong Black man during the turbulent 1966-1969 period. For members of the Mckinley Tech class of 1969, Dr. Rhodes provided "The Mckinley Way" which served as a pathway and a foundation for a generation of successful professionals.
Jerome Bragg
January 12, 2015
I have nothing but fond memories of Dr. Rhodes at Tech. I am a member of the class of 1966 and he inspired us with his firm but fair ability to inspire. God has added a new angel to His legion.
John McCauley, Jr.
January 12, 2015
As a former McKinley Tech student (1966-1969), I can fondly remember the presence of Dr. George R. Rhodes, Jr., throughout the school corridors, walkways, and the school auditorium. Dr. Rhodes had a gentle, firm approach towards resolving disputes and various matters. His resolve, his heart and his sincerity were honest and real.
Peace be with you now Dr. Rhondes. May the Angels of our Lord welcome you with a Joy Eternal in that "Infinite Classroom of Everlasting Love". Again, peace be on the memory of "our beloved principal of McKinley Tech Senior High School of Washington, D.C."
Glenn Little
January 12, 2015
There is no doubt that the influence of Dr. Rhodes shaped the character of all who were under his tutelage. I remember his interaction with all of us, more so than that of his predecessor at Tech. My sincere condolences to all, especially Eloise Brown, who was my elementary school teacher. G. Little. Class of '66
Sharon
January 12, 2015
Dr. Rhodes was my math teacher every Saturday afternoon. I went to his house in Brook land and along with other teens we did our math homework. We were all from different schools and enjoyed learning from him. I will always remember Dr. Rhodes for his kind way of teaching.
Wanda Wilkinson-Anderson
January 11, 2015
Dr. Rhodes was probably the most influential person in my Jr. & Senior High experience. He taught us, respect, integrity, compassion and to find a way to get "it" done. It's called "The McKinley Way" Thank you sir for instilling values into so many. You will be greatly missed but not forgotten.
Pat Bandy-Robinson
January 11, 2015
Dr. Rhodes was an amazing person. He touched so many of us students without our realizing we had been touched. His quiet way of showing up when you lease expected it is unforgettable :) His manner of imposing discipline was done with much calmness and care that this too is unforgettable. As with so many others, he made a life-long impression on me.
Lloyd Coles, III
January 11, 2015
He had a positive influence on, and helped shape the lives of many of today's adults/citizens/leaders. His firm, but gentle, style of leadership is needed more in our educational systems. May his family rest in the Comfort, Peace, and Abiding Presence of the Holy Spirit during this period of change and adjustment.
January 11, 2015
Dr. Rhodes had a positive influence on, and helped shape the lives of, many of today's adults/citizens/leaders. His firm, but gentle and caring, style of leadership is needed more in our educational systems. May his family rest in the Comfort, Peace, and Abiding Presence of the Holy Spirit during this period of change and adjustment.
Joyce Ladner
January 11, 2015
Dr. Rhodes guided Howard University students to success and he was a wonderful colleague and friend.
Joye Ladner
January 11, 2015
George Rhodes was a wonderful teacher and mentor to Howard University students and a wonderful colleague as well. May he rest in peace.
Joyce Griffin(Austin)
January 11, 2015
You were an awesome educator and well loved by the students of McKinley. I am an educator and I know how educators touch many lives. Thank you for all you did for many students. I am a 1969 McKinley graduate. Blessings to the family.
January 11, 2015
You had an amazing gift with getting children turned on and excited about academic achievement. You will live on in the hearts and minds of the inumberable children you educated and the grateful parents you coached and comforted. Yours was a life well lived. The Cowan family will forever be in your debt....."the educator and a gentlemen" Artis Hampshire-Cowan (Mitchellville,Md.)
Angela Cross
January 11, 2015
I will always admire and remain devoted to Dr. Rhodes for his fair treatment of and sensible approaches to teen issues during his years at McKinley. He was one of the few adults who didn't try to walk all over us; he treated us with respect and we returned the respect. He instilled a different kind of pride in his students via "The McKinley Way", something I still try to practice. Blessings to his family and close friends.
January 11, 2015
George Rhodes expected only the best from his teachers and students, but also from himself. In the six years I worked for him, I never saw Dr. Rhodes stop living his life "The McKinley Way." We were all lucky to have had him as a role model and mentor.
Paula Behnken (Mrs. Cohen, English teacher at Tech, 1965-1969, and research assistant in Office of Asst Supt for Secondary Schools, DCPS, 1970-72)
Debbie Pace
January 11, 2015
You helped to shape and guide so many of us at McKinley Tech, and we thank you. Rest in peace.
January 11, 2015
1st Class Tech, "1966" Rest In Paradise our beloved Principal.
Zelda Irby
January 11, 2015
We'll miss your pleasant smile, happy and positive spirit. May you Rest in paradise.
1st Class "1966"
Zelda Irby
January 11, 2015
We'll miss your pleasant voice and happy spirit. R.I.P. my principal. Zelda E. Irby, Tech "66"
Tom Wyche
January 11, 2015
Mr. Rhodes was a gifted educator and man. After my father, he was the man who was most responsible for any successes I have achieved as a man. Sincere sympathy to the family and the McKinley Tech family.
Jack White
January 11, 2015
He was a wonderful, inspiring educator.
Towana McTizic-Scott
January 11, 2015
The Lord has prepared a school for you just like McKinkey Tech but a much better one.
Valda Woodson
January 11, 2015
Thank you for a memorable experience at McKinley. I have carried "the McKinley Way? throughout my life. I remember those assemblies like they were yesterday. Go in peace to your next life
We were blessed to know you in this one.
January 11, 2015
Dr. Rhodes was my algebra teacher at Taft Junior High in 1959-60. I adored him. He was an inspiring teacher and mentor. Every study hall period, I would go to his class – he happened to have a free period then – sometimes with some other students, and he would talk to us and teach math that we didn't cover in class. It was because of him that I loved learning, and still do. I remember one day when he called my parents to tell them to encourage me in my studies because I clearly had a hunger for and love of education. He cared that much. I have thought of him so often over the years, never forgetting his wisdom and all of the excitement about school that he imparted to me. I will always cherish those memories of him. Paula Miller Jacobson
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