CW3 (Ret) William Robert Rhody

CW3 (Ret) William Robert Rhody, son of the late Cecil and Bernaldine (Lawhead) Rhody, was born July 4, 1927 in Winamac, Indiana. He passed away Monday, January 8, 2018 in the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri having attained the age of 90 years. As a young boy, William grew up in Kewanna where he attended school through the 8th grade. The family then moved to Knox, Indiana where William completed his education and graduated from Knox High School. From July 1945 - December 1945, William served in the United States Army Reserves through World War II. He was discharged from the Reserves and entered active duty status in the United States Army in December 1945 and served until his honorable discharge after eight years of service. In June 1955, William enlisted in the United States Air Force was honorably discharged in June 1957. In 1973, William re-enlisted in the United States Army and made his way to the rank of Sergeant First Class. He decided to stay in the military longer and earned the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3 before retiring in 1983. He served during the Vietnam War and for his faithful service to his country, William earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Bronze Star Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal (3), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (7 Campaigns), NCO Professional Development (1), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (6), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Pam (2nd Award) and the Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal (2nd Award). For his total career in the military, William served in three wars: World War II, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. On December 5, 1977, William was united in marriage to Jae Yoon Lee in Montgomery County, Tennessee. They shared over 40 years of marriage together and were blessed with one daughter: Kimberly Yoon Rhody. William was an avid NASCAR fan and loved watching the races on television. He enjoyed reading about and loved the sport of racing so much that in his younger years he raced cars. He also enjoyed reading other material as well as watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and also golf and football. William was a very compassionate person when it came to children. While living in Korea, he would visit an orphanage near where he was stationed to bring joy to the children and even did so on the weekends with his wife Jae. William loved his family dearly and leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Jae Yoon Rhody of the home; one daughter: Kimberly Rhody of Waynesville, MO; one brother: Gerald; three sisters: Ruth, Jane and Sue; several other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard and Donnell. Services were held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 12, 2018 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Soo Gap Cheong officiating. Family friend, Hector Mitchell recalled his memories of William. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors provided by United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of William Rhody and may be left at the funeral home.

CW3 (Ret) William Robert Rhody

July 4, 1927 - January 8, 2018