VIRGIL L. RHODES
, age 80, a renowned optometrist and a true Christian friend to everyone he knew and to those who knew him, passed away on July 4, 2009 after a long battle with multiple illnesses. Born in Henderson County TN, he was the son of Grover Burton and Virgie Sparkman Rhodes. His siblings were Maureen R. Hodges, Lois R. Simonton, John Larry Rhodes and James Glenn Rhodes. All are deceased. He married Peggy Butler on September 19, 1954 who survives. His children are Judy Rhodes Allen (Clark) and Jeff Butler Rhodes (Sonia). His grandsons are Jake and Jeb Allen and John Rhodes. Surviving also are 12 nieces and nephews. One grandniece and one grandnephew deceased, other grands surviving.
Educated at Lexington High School, the University of Memphis and the Sourthern College of Optometry, Memphis (SCO), he received the degree of Doctor of Optometry in March of 1950. SCO also awarded him the Doctor of Ocular Science degree in June of 1986. He served 2 years in the Army Medical Corps as an optometrist. He practiced in Manchester TN, for 50 years from January 1, 1953, retiring at the end of December 2002. Dr. Rhodes gave his patients the best care and concern for all their visual needs.
He was a member of the TN Optometric Assoc. serving as President; the American Optometric Association (AOA); a fellow of the TN Academy; a 50+ year member of the Masonic Highland Lodge 214; the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Cheatham Camp 72; and the American Legion.
He served as an Alderman and Vice Mayor of Manchester. He was a former member and officer of many civic organizations, including President of the Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Rhodes served on the State Board of Optometry and the Board of Trustees of SCO. He was chairman of the AOA Committee for Statutory Definition of Optometry for several years, traveling to many states to assist with their legislative efforts. In 2001 he authored Optometry in Tennessee, a book on the state optometric legislative history to serve as a resource for present and future generations.
He served many awards and distinctions incouding; Optometrist of TN, TN Optometrist of the Decade, voted Outstanding Optometrist of the South by the Sourthern Council of Optometry, a "Roast" by his peers, and countless other awards.
He approached every day and every endeavor with a great sense of humor. He enjoyed laughint and bringing laughter to others. A member of the First United Methodist Church in Manchester, he lived his life with compassion for others and by the credo "Much can be accomplished if you don't care who gets the credit".
Funeral services were Tuesday July 7, 2009, at the funeral home. Burial followed in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. The eulogy was delivered by Dr. Richard Phillips, President of the Sourthern College of Optometry, Memphis. Serving as pallbearers were Dr. Joe Crosy, Dr. Winston Thaxton, Reg. Gary Odom, Mr. Ennis Rhodes, Mr. Collidge Holt, Dr. Jesse Overall, Dr. Jeff Foster and Dr. Timothy Brown. Honorary pallbearers were all the members of the TN Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.
Memorial: Dr. Virgil and Peggy Rhodes Endowment Fund, Southern College of Optometry, 1245 Madison Avenue, Memphis TN. An avid reader of all subjects he would be honored by donations of books to any library.
The Lexington Progress, July 8, 2009, transcribed by, Christine Walters
