The Rhodes family regrettably announces the passing of Cecil Rhodes II on November 27, 2023. After a valiant battle with the devastating and under-researched Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Cecil passed away peacefully in his home, under the care of his beloved wife of 41 years.

Cecil departed in comfort and dignity.

Born in 1956 in Beulaville, NC, Cecil moved to Raleigh to attend North Carolina State University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He married Susan Bostic (also from Beulaville) in 1982 and welcomed his daughter Elizabeth in 1992 after settling in Clayton, NC

Cecil began a long and successful career at Electricities of NC and went on to become Vice President before retiring in 2016. The meaningful friendships he made during his tenure there are too numerous to mention by name here. He was as influential and appreciated in his personal life. An avid and talented marksman, Cecil won the .45 caliber National Pistol championship title in 2006 and consistently took home regional and state titles even after his shoulder surgery in 2011. He enjoyed mentoring novices to the sport and was known for always sharing any knowledge he had to assist others in growing their skills. A multi-faceted man, Cecil was also a lover of sci-fi, fantasy, and works of fiction- often with a strong preference for stories that showed the perseverance of humankind against impossible odds.

He is survived by his spouse, Susan, and daughter Elizabeth. Among the bereaved are his siblings, Edith Mobley and Bill Rhodes, their families, and son-in-law John Cochran.

Cecil will be laid to rest next to his parents, Mary Jane Rhodes (nee Gresham) and Cecil Rhodes at the family burial grounds. Services will be held at Beulaville Community Funeral Home on Sunday December 3 at 2:00 pm, with visitation at 1:00pm. Interment will follow immediately at the Gresham Cemetery.

Community Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rhodes family/