Bill Rhodes

Bill Rhodes, age 88, passed away August 3, 2026 at NHC in Clinton, SC.

The son of the late R.V. and Maggie Elizabeth Rhodes of Whitmire, SC, he was born November 24, 1937.

Coach Rhodes will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, brother, teacher, coach, administrator, civic leader, businessman, and friend, as well as for his exemplary service in the SC National Guard. He positively impacted many thousands of lives in his long career due to his unwavering commitment, overwhelming dedication, unselfish generosity, and true love for others.

A graduate of Newberry College, Bill began his 65 year career with Laurens School District 56 in 1960. He taught at Florida Street Junior High, later moving to Bell Street Middle School, and eventually Clinton High School where he spent years as a highly respected teacher, an incredibly effective administrator, successful coach, cafeteria cashier, and mentor to all. While he had the reputation of a no nonsense disciplinarian, he also had a constant twinkle in his eye and the best laugh. He loved the students and was extremely supportive of classroom teachers. Coach Rhodes was the heart and soul of CHS.

For 61 years, Coach Rhodes was involved in middle school and high school athletics. He was a key member of the Clinton High School football coaching staff which produced teams that won six state Class AAA Championships and four Upper State Championships. He also coached baseball and softball and spent many years running the ticket gate at CHS basketball games and the concession stand at football games.

Bill’s military service began in 1955 when he joined the SC National Guard as an infantry rifleman. He ascended through the ranks holding leadership positions including infantry squad leader. When he retired from the Guard in 1997 after 42 years of service, he was the 218th Heavy Separate Brigade Command Sergeant Major, responsible for 4500 soldiers in South Carolina.

Coach Rhodes was a leading force of the Clinton Exchange Club for 28 years, including serving as club president for 7 years. He worked with fellow club members running PC football athletic concessions as part of the club’s fundraising efforts for many years. Monies raised went back to CHS in support of numerous projects benefiting students.

Bill also loved hunting, fishing, and watching Atlanta Braves games. In later years, he and his daughter Lawry went on numerous birding and sightseeing trips with close friends Edith and Marion Clark to the American West

Bill received numerous well-deserved honors in his life including being presented the Order of the Palmetto, the most prestigious civilian honor in the state of South Carolina on October 21, 2023, at Wilder Stadium in a halftime ceremony during a CHS football game.

He is survived by his devoted daughter Lawry Rhodes Sharp (Mike) of Clinton, his brother Don Rhodes (Sonya), niece Rhonda Cantrell (Russ), and nephews Richard Rhodes (Melissa), and Kelly Jordan (Tonya).

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beautiful wife Judy Irby Rhodes in 2007 and his nephew Charles Rhodes.

The family would like to especially thank Andy B. Young, Chris Wofford, and the staff of NHC for their support and care.

A private funeral service will be held Thursday at Cross Anchor United Methodist Church. A celebration of a life well lived will be held soon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Bill and Judy Rhodes Scholarship Fund, ℅ Arthur State Bank, PO Box 481, Clinton, SC 29325. The scholarship will be rewarded annually to deserving CHS students.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com.

Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is assisting the Rhodes family with services.