Bill Text: SC H3803 | 2021-2022 | 124th General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Honorable John Travis Rhodes
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 81-43)
Status: (Passed) 2021-02-03 - Introduced and adopted [H3803 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2021-H3803-Introduced.html
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE JOHN TRAVIS RHODES OF MYRTLE BEACH AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Honorable John Travis Rhodes of Myrtle Beach on January 17, 2021, at the venerable age of seventy-seven; and
Whereas, born in Raleigh, North Carolina, on April 3, 1943, John was the son of the late Travis and Sallie Rhodes. John worked as a lifeguard while attending the University of South Carolina/Coastal Carolina, where he played basketball and baseball; and
Whereas, he began his career as the owner of the Cheerio Guest House in 1967 and quickly escalated to larger hotels, becoming the youngest general manager on the beach at the Yachtsman Hotel and eventually part of the Hilton Cooperation. A quick promotion meant a transfer to Texas. However, declaring that Myrtle Beach would always be his home, he set his sights on the restaurant business, and the legendary Gullyfield Restaurant came to be; and
Whereas, in 1980, John became a voting member of the McDonald's All-American Selection Committee, where his lifelong relationship with legendary Coach Morgan Wootten began; and
Whereas, in 1981, Socastee High School's basketball coach, Dan D'Antoni, created a Christmas basketball tournament that would highlight local players. John became executive director of the Beach Ball Classic, which gave students from all over the country the opportunity to perform in front of collegiate scouts and further their careers through scholarships. The Beach Ball Classic, now the #1 Christmas basketball tournament in the country, has just celebrated its fortieth anniversary. From this success, John attained the nickname "Father of Sports Tourism"; and
Whereas, in 2005, John ran for mayor of Myrtle Beach, a title he held for twelve years, devoting time to improving the lives of children in Myrtle Beach and generating economic development and growth along the Grand Strand. Some of his most outstanding accomplishments were the development of Market Common, Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, and the total renovation of Doug Shaw Stadium. He also led in the effort to implement the Tourism Development Fee, which gives full-time owner-occupied residential property owners the largest tax break in South Carolina history; and
Whereas, after suffering a brain aneurism in 2012, John focused on achieving one more goal: He raised over one million dollars to build Savannah's Playground, a park for children. In December 2020, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service by his beloved Coastal Carolina. His last civic role was serving as chairman of the board of the Boys & Girls Club of the Grand Strand; and
Whereas, he leaves to cherish his memory Terri Springs Delco Rhodes, the love of his life for twenty-eight years; his children, John Travis "Trae" Rhodes, Jr., James Chadwick "Chad" Rhodes (Jessica), and Suzanne Chambree Ruth "Zanne" Rhodes, as well as their mother, Suzanne Cozart Flynn; Teah Delco Grant (Todd Wharton); Albert Brad Delco (Megan), and Gregory Reid Delco (Jessica); fifteen grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends; and
Whereas, the people of South Carolina, most particularly those of Myrtle Beach, were made better by John Rhodes' influence and will greatly miss his impactful presence. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of the Honorable John Travis Rhodes of Myrtle Beach and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Terri Springs Delco Rhodes for the family.
