Billy Rhodes Jr.

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Billy Edward Rhodes Jr., 64, of Advance passed away Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Aug. 4, 1954, in Cape Girardeau, the son of Bill and Jean Requerth Rhodes.

Billy was a 1972 graduate of Advance High School. He then attended Murray State University and was a member of the Sigma Pi fraternity.

Billy owned and operated Rhodes Gas in Advance, Dexter and Bloomfield, Missouri, from 1979 to 2004. He was a pioneer of the convenience store business.

Billy loved to travel in his motor home with his buddies, Milford Redman and Dennis Lorch.

He is survived by the love of his life, Monica Rhodes; beloved daughter, Leeanna Rhodes of Jackson; beloved son, Billy (Mollie) Rhodes III of Perryville, Missouri; granddaughters, Alexa and Caroline, both of Jackson; his big sister, Kathy (Deane) Rhodes of Jackson; nephew, G.W. Gilmore of Advance; two nieces, Abby Cato and Amanda Gilmore, both of Advance; a great-nephew, Tucker Gilmore; three great-nieces, Harper Jean Cato, Hallie Jean Gilmore and Blake Leigh Gilmore; and great-great-niece, Adalyn.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents and his baby sister, Amy Rhodes Winchester.

Billy was devoted to his family and was a true, loyal friend. He was very proud of his granddaughters. He lived his life exactly as he wanted with few regrets.

A visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at Morgan Funeral Home in Advance.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Revs. Charles Woodard and Dale Wiseman officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Advance.