Virgil Leon Rhodes

Virgil Leon Rhodes, 84, of Ripley passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2016 following a long illness. He was born March 14, 1932, at Given, a son of the late Luther and Ivy Braham Rhodes. Leon was a 1952 graduate of Ripley High School. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Korean War. Following his discharge he worked at several businesses over including Dravo Construction, Kaiser Aluminum, School Bus driver for Jackson County Schools, Justice of Peace in Ripley, owned and operated L&L Furniture. His last job was manager of the Ripley Exxon. He also served on the Ripley Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Leon loved sports and helped coach several Little League ball teams. He had a big love for yard sales, flea markets, and auctions. He loved raising honey bees and collecting the honey. Leon was also an avid outdoorsmen who enjoyed deer hunting. Survivors include sons, Richard Kenneth Rhodes of Parkersburg and Roger (Stephanie) Rhodes of Millwood; daughters Beverly (Jerry) Anderson of Evans, and Virginia (Gerald) Vance of Sandyville; brothers Ernest Rhodes and Wendell (Dusty)(Paula) Rhodes; sisters Marie Green, Ruby Parsons, Mae Randolph, and Hazel Randolph; Grandchildren Shawn, Steve, Jeremy, Carrie, Scott, Christina, Nikki, Joshua, Jonathan, Christopher, Misty, Amber, Raven, Ralph, and Little Rodney. He is also survived by 21 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years Betty Jean Landis Rhodes, oldest son Rodney Leon Rhodes, grandson John Kevin Anderson, brothers Luther and Carl Rhodes, sister Velma Landis, brothers-in-law James Randolph, Arnold Landis, and Gerald Randolph, and sister-in-law Ann Rhodes. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, July 10, 2016 at Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley with Pastor Dee Rhodes officiating. Friends may call on the family from 6-9 p.m. Saturday evening at the funeral home. Burial with Military Rites by the Jackson County Honor Guard will be in the Pine Hill Cemetery, Ripley. Online memories and condolences can be sent the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com Service: Sunday, July 10, 2016 2 p.m. Waybright Funeral Home Ripley, West Virginia Visitation: Saturday, July 9, 2016 6:00-9:00 p.m. Waybright Funeral Home Ripley, West Virginia