Raymond E. Rhodes

He attended Starke University School in Montgomery, Alabama from 1942 until 1946, where he met his future bride, Jean Vanderford, and her wonderful family, The Colonel and Mrs. John Murphy Vanderford, and Faye and Anne Vanderford. The Colonel and Mrs. Vanderford owned and operated Starke University School and developed a deep affection for Raymond as he became an integral part of their family for the remainder of their lives.

In 1946, Raymond transferred to Leon High School to finish his High School years, and was drafted to Mississippi State University (1947-1950) where he attended school on a full football scholarship.

Raymond married his beloved, Jean Vanderford, on May 11, 1947 at First Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama.

Raymond graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Industry from the School of Public Administration. He was a member of Phi Alpha Theta Fraternity where he was recognized for his conspicuous attainments and scholarship in the field of History.

After college, Raymond and Jean moved to Orlando, Florida where Raymond worked for Tesco Chemical Company and later, John Wiley Jones, as Southeastern Sales Representative. Raymond and Jean lived an idyllic life on Little Lake Pine Loch surrounded by lemon trees, beautiful hibiscus, avocadoes and tropical fruits of all kinds during the 1950s.

In 1956, Raymond enrolled at Stetson University Law School in St. Petersburg, Florida where he earned his Doctorate of Jurisprudence degree. During his years as Stetson, he taught High School English at Admiral Farragut Academy. He was a member of The Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity and competed at the Stetson University Law School Moot Court Competitions where he was awarded Best Individual Argument.

In 1959, after graduating from Stetson, Raymond and Jean moved to his hometown, Tallahassee, Florida, where he worked with his brother, Roy T. Rhodes, in his law firm. Later he joined the Florida Attorney General’s Office. In 1962, Raymond was appointed Clerk of the First District Court of Appeal of Florida where he served at the court’s pleasure for 29 years.

Raymond was active as a young man in the Orlando and Tallahassee Jaycees, and went on to serve on the Board of Directors of the Florida Children’s Home Society. He was an active member of the Tallahassee Rotary Club and served as President in 1974-1975. Raymond was an active and involved member of Rotary Club International and the National Association of Court Clerks.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Raymond, and his beloved, Jean, traveled all over the world including Europe, South America, Africa and Asia, and enjoyed learning about the history and cultures of the people of the world.

Raymond was an avid student of politics and history and enjoyed keeping abreast of what was going on in the world and had a keen ability to explore ideas by looking at both sides of the coin.

Raymond’s greatest love was his family. He and his beloved bride, Jean, were married for 70 years. They have one daughter, Linda Gay Rhodes (Huey Ellis), and two beautiful granddaughters, Kimberly Christine Huey and Kelly Jean Huey, of whom he was tremendously proud. He was a steadfast and loving husband, father and grandfather always full of joy and laughter. His death has left a hole in our family that will never be filled. He was the center of our universe.

Raymond is survived by his wife Jean V. Rhodes, daughter, Linda Gay Ellis, granddaughters, Kimberly Christine Huey and Kelly Jean Huey, son-in-law, William M. (Mike) Ellis, former son-in-law, Christopher M. Huey, sister, Betty Aycock, brother-in-law, Wade Aycock, sisters-in-law, Faye Vanderford Baggett, and Anne Vanderford Rivers Brooks, niece, Jan Rhodes Cook, and nephews, Roy T. Rhodes, III, Tommy Rhodes, and Andy Rhodes.

A graveside service will be held at Oakland Cemetery on Monday, February 27, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at the home.

The Rhodes family wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to Big Bend Hospice. Those that wish to do so may make a donation to this wonderful God-filled service in the name of Raymond E. Rhodes.