Cephus S. Rhodes

Cephus S. Rhodes, LTC, USA, RET. From being raised in Apalachicola, FL, to moving to Phoebus as a  teenager to live with relatives, this 1948 graduate of Phenix High School, who was on the cheer squad and in the choir, has lived a life of service to his country and his community.

In 1948 he received a scholarship to attend Hampton Institute and graduated in 1953 with a degree in Biology and Chemistry and a commission as an Army 2nd Lt. At Hampton he was into boxing, wrestling, swimming, dancing, choirs and cheer squad. After college he went into the army for three years and then to Med School.

He then decided to make the Army a career where he stayed for 22 years. During his distinguished career he commanded at every level including Battalion and supervised staff at every level including the US Army Europe. During his tour of duty he received many medals including the Purple Heart; Bronze Star; National Defense Service Medal;  Air Medal, and many more.

After retirement he then went to work as a computer specialist at Ft. Bliss Army base in Texas. He then worked for 17 years at El Paso Corp, the largest natural gas pipeline company in the US.

In 1993 he was convinced to get in politics and won a seat on the city council. He was appointed four times by three Texas governors to serve on State Boards.

In 1992 he was honored by the Hampton University Alumni Association with the Alumni Merit Award.

This Kappa Alpha Psi frat and Ordained Baptist Deacon has finally retired for good and spends his time as an active member of his church and choir, and the Chamber of Commerce.