Howard Herbert Rhoads

Howard H. Rhoads, 85, of Cary, NC died August 4, 2026, at Waltonwood of Cary. He was the husband of Joyce Y. Rhoads. Howard and Joyce were married 64 years. Born August 21, 1940, in Coatesville, PA. He was the son of the late Sarah B. (Rudisill) Rhoads and the late Herbert E. Rhoads.

Howard retired in 2000 after a 20-year career as a residential real estate appraiser owning his own business for 19 of those years. Before that, he served in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1979, as a Navigator, Electronic Warfare Officer and Air Operations Officer. He flew in the RB-66 from 1962 to 1967 flying 100 missions over North Vietnam. While in the Air Force he earned distinguished awards including Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Vietnam Services Medal.

Howard received a Bachelor of General Studies degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1973. He graduated from S. Horace Scott Senior High School in Coatesville in 1958. Howard enjoyed tennis, golf, reading, woodworking, and being the household handyman. He also especially enjoyed camping and traveling having been to 49 states His travels included many trips to Europe as well as Asia, South America and Central America. Family was very important to Howard. He loved spending time with family and friends.

Howard is survived by his wife, Joyce; daughter, Christine Kastner (Robert) of Cary, NC; and son, David Rhoads (Annette) of Chantilly, VA; with five grandchildren, Laura Biggs (Ian), Brian Kastner (Jung Lee), Nicole Rhoads, Megan Rhoads-Bobbitt (Abraham), and Jeffrey Rhoads; and two great grandchildren, Blair Biggs and William Biggs.

Funeral services will be announced at a future date.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh is serving the Rhoads family.