In Loving Memory of
Jerome U. Rhees
Jerome U. Rhees died in Suffolk, Virginia on July 18 at the age of 87. Jerry was born in Piqua, Ohio in 1922, the son of Garnet U.and Bernice France Rhees, and was raised in Sidney, Ohio, where his father owned a clothing store.
He is survived by his wife Shirley McGuire Rhees and sons David J. Rhees (wife Suzanne S. Rhees) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Stephen M. Rhees of New York. He is also survived by one granddaughter, Julia A. Rhees, and two grandsons, Jason M. Rhees and Alexander L. Rhees, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his three brothers, Bill, Jack, and Tom, and one sister, Jane.
While attending Ohio State University during World War II, he enlisted in the Army and served as a medic in India. After working for the American Consulate during the Paris Peace Conference, he earned a B.A. from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, where he also obtained a master’s degree in history. He and Shirley were married in 1950 and spent 10 years in Cuyahoga Falls and Hudson, Ohio, where he worked in personnel management for B.F. Goodrich in Akron. In 1960 the family moved to Elizabeth City, North Carolina, where he served for 20 years as business manager and later professor of history and sociology at the College of the Albemarle. He and Shirley led many educational tours of countries in Europe and other lands. He was a member and vestryman at Christ Episcopal Church, where he helped lead a major capital campaign to restore the church building and windows. In 2002 they moved to Lake Prince Woods Retirement Center in Suffolk, Virginia, where they joined St. John’s Episcopal Church in Chuckatuck.
Memorial services will be held at Lake Prince Woods at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 31. A private burial will follow at Christ Episcopal Church. Memorial gifts to any appropriate charity. R. W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.
Condolences for
Jerome U. Rhees
Shirley, I was so saddened to read of Jerry's passing in the am paper. I will never forget his kindness and his always being so genuine--both were above reproach with Jerry. I often think of old COA times, coming down to the bookstore to yap with you, and our gripping about evryone and every thing! May God truly bless you at this time. Hugs and all the love in world to you and to your family. John Simmons
John Simmons
It was with sadness that I learned of Jerry's passing, but was filled with joy as I read his many contributions to his family and the communities in which he lived. He certainly was a gentleman of distinction and accomplishment. I would like to thank Jerry and the family for their support of Center in the Square in Roanoke, VA and offer our prayers and support to the family.
James C. Sears, Ed. D.
Dear Shirley, please know that you and Jerry were always wonderful to us when we lived in Hampton Roads and attended St.Johns. It was because of people like you and Jerry that we felt so welcomed and St. John's felt like family. It is part of Jerry's legacy that he was a man of understanding, principal, and caring. We will miss him, but never forget the gifts he gave to all of us. Accept our most sincere condolences and our prayers are with you and your family. John and Beth Vuolo, Hinton, WV
John and Beth Vuolo
I will miss Uncle Jerry. He was one terrific and fun uncle and I loved his stories! Pausing to reflect, I think of the grand Rhees family led by Mo and DaDaw. May Uncle Jerry be at peace as he joins those who passed before him.
Jan Rhees Johnson
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