Bill (William) E. Rhodes, a brave and gallant Cherokee warrior, died Nov. 2, 2013.

He was born in 1933 in Tulsa, Okla. He was preceded in death by the passing of his loving bride of 50 years, Ruth, and daughter Kathy.

He is survived by his sister Rebecca; children: Bill Jr. (Connie), Terry (Mike), Donald (Barb); grandchildren: Mike, Kacy, Shelby, Amber, Justin, Josh and Tiffany.

He was called a national hero, receiving the silver star with two Oak Leaf clusters in the Army at Pork Chop Hill/Korean War, preparing him for his long fight with cancer.

Bill contributed his construction skills to many civic projects: Playground in Parks, American Legion, VFW and Eagles.

A potluck celebration of his life will be held 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at Eagles Aerie #3418 in Freeland. Please come and share your stories.