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John Travis Rhodes
Apr 3, 1943 - Jan. 17, 2021
Obituary
John Travis Rhodes, 77, died on January 17, 2021, in Grand Strand Regional Medical Center. John left this earth early on a beautiful Sunday morning, just as his precious mother. John’s Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date, as the family wants safety and health to be the highest priority.
Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, on April 3, 1943, John was the son of the late Travis Baker Rhodes and Sallie Beal Rhodes. After graduation from Garner High School, John attended Carolina Military Academy in Maxton, NC, where he met his best friend and Myrtle Beach resident, Randy Jennings. After graduation, Randy invited John to a house party in Myrtle Beach where John attended the party and never left again. John’s career began as a lifeguard while attending the University of South Carolina/Coastal Carolina, where he played basketball and baseball. John frequently referred to Dr. Singleton, the president of Coastal Carolina at the time, as his educational mentor, crediting him with keeping him in school.
After college, John’s career started as the owner of the Cheerio Guest House in 1967. He quickly escalated to larger hotels, even becoming the youngest General Manager on the beach at The Yachtsman Hotel, eventually becoming part of the Hilton Cooperation. A quick promotion meant a transfer to Texas. But the “J.R.” we all knew and loved said, “NO WAY! Myrtle Beach will ALWAYS be my home.” Thus, John set his sights on the restaurant business, and the legendary Gullyfield Restaurant evolved.
In 1980 John became a voting member of the McDonald’s All-American Selection Committee, where John’s lifelong relationship with legendary Coach Morgan Wootten began. In 1981 Socastee High School basketball coach, Dan D’Antoni, conceived of 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. Beach Ball Classic became the #1 Christmas basketball tournament in the country and just celebrated its 40th consecutive year. From this success, John attained the nickname “Father of Sports Tourism.”
In 2005 John felt compelled to run for mayor of Myrtle Beach, a title he would hold for 12 years, devoting time to countless committees to improve the lives of children in Myrtle Beach and to generate economic development and growth along the Grand Strand. Some of John’s most outstanding accomplishments were the development of Market Common, Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, the total renovation of Doug Shaw Stadium, and leader of the effort to implement the Tourism Development Fee (TDF), which gives full-time owner-occupied residential property owners the largest tax break in South Carolina history. He truly fulfilled all three aspects of the hotel, restaurant, and tourism industry.
After suffering a brain aneurism in December, 2012, John knew there was one more accomplishment he had to achieve. He raised over $1,000,000 in funds to build Savannah’s Playground—an all-inclusive park for all children. This past December, John received his highest honor from Coastal Carolina University and his friend, Dr. Dave DeCenzo. He was awarded an honorary degree, Doctor of Public Service--the perfect exclamation point to his beloved Coastal Carolina.
John would want everyone to remember him as “The Man Who Never Left Myrtle Beach.” His love for “his” city was overwhelming, and those who knew him considered him their “Best Friend.” But beyond that was his passion for his family.
Surviving is the love of his life of 28 years, Terri Springs Delco Rhodes; his constant canine companion and best friend “River”; his children, John Travis (“Trae”) Rhodes, Jr., of Zanesville, OH; James Chadwick (“Chad”) Rhodes (Jessica), of Charleston, SC; and Suzanne Chambree Ruth (“Zanne”) Rhodes of Lake Tahoe, NV; and their mother Suzanne Cozart Flynn of Daniel Island, SC; Teah Delco Grant (Todd Wharton) of Myrtle Beach, SC; Albert Brad Delco (Megan) of Bentonville, AR; and Gregory Reid Delco (Jessica) of Myrtle Beach, SC; and fifteen grandchildren: Caroline and Jack Rhodes; Harper and Ada Rhodes; Sophie and Sara Grant; Emma Bellamy; Bradley, Teddy, Penelope, and Henry Delco; and Decklan, Davis, Dylan, and Dawson Delco. John is survived by one sister, Kimmie “Kim” Rhodes Cottle (Michael) of Garner, NC; sister-in-law, Tami Brooks Scott (Jim); and brother-in-law, Jack “Jay” Springs (Elizabeth) of Myrtle Beach, SC. Also, John had a special relationship with his nieces and nephews, Michelle Cottle, Christi Phillips, Jerrett Oates, Boni Belle Brooks, Caroline Hills, and Jack Springs. In addition to relatives, John had the unique privilege of calling Chad Smith his “adopted” son and loved Chad’s wife, Dana, and their son, affectionately known as “Little Man” Cole.
Myrtle Beach was truly blessed to have the never-ending love and entrepreneurial vision of John Rhodes!
John’s last civic role was Chairman of the Board of the Boys and Girls Club of the Grand Strand.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Boys and Girls Club of the Grand Strand, 1404 Carver Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Travis Rhodes, please visit our floral store.
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Randy Jennings (1966)
Quotes From Hannah Strong story in the Post & Couier
HORRY COUNTY — Friends of John Rhodes believe if Horry County was to construct a Mt. Rushmore to honor local leaders, the former Myrtle Beach mayor would be one of the first faces to be carved.
Some have even gone as far to call Rhodes the father of sports tourism and the creator of the modern Myrtle Beach.
Rhodes, 77, passed away last week due to COVID-19 complications. News of his death quickly spread across the state with hundreds of people remembering various ways Rhodes helped them over the years.
His Myrtle Beach legacy, spanning decades, was hallmarked by being ahead of trends and recognizing what the area needed to do as the tourism industry adapted. Rhodes came to Myrtle Beach from North Carolina to be a lifeguard. He joked he came to be a summer lifeguard in the 1960s but never left.
“He was the last of that old group of entrepreneurs that built the beach,” said Randal Wallace, a former Myrtle Beach City councilmember. “He closes the door on the era of people who really built Myrtle Beach into what it has become.”
Wallace, someone who Rhodes mentored in politics, said that in the 1960s, Myrtle Beach was simply a different town. The area’s tourist leaders were always coming up with new ways to attract tourists year-round. During that time, Rhodes worked as a restaurant owner before the city was filled with places to eat. He ran a hotel and immersed himself in the day-to-day life of a small business owner.
This experience is the root of what would become Rhodes’ defining characteristic — someone who knew how to get tourists to the beach and more money to businesses year-round.
The old Myrtle Beach became like a ghost town in the winter. Folks would joke that you could shoot a gun on Ocean Boulevard without any worry of hitting anybody.
If it wasn’t for Rhodes, there is a good chance Myrtle Beach would still be that way today.
While he didn’t act alone, his actions, however, put Myrtle Beach on the path to being the modern tourism destination it is today.
MYRTLE BEACH NEWS
John Rhodes, former Myrtle Beach mayor, dies after COVID-19 battle
Sports tourism
Likely there wasn’t a year where off-season business mattered more than 2020. A summer season downtrodden by disease and death left many small businesses with less cash to get through the colder months.
As the summer played out, Rhodes faced a tough challenge.
The 40th Anniversary of the Beach Ball Classic, a nationally known youth basketball tournament he helped create, was slated to happen during December.
But with travel and pandemic restrictions, creating the tournament seemed impossible to many of the planners tasked with making it happen.
“There was every indication that it couldn’t happen,” said Bryan Johnson, who worked with Rhodes to plan his final tournament. “Everything external showed signs it wouldn’t happen but every day I came in the office even though we were there hours and hours John never indicated it wasn’t possible. I figured if John was there, and he was leading it, it was going to happen and it would be a success.”
While missing a year of the Beach Ball Classic might not seem all that significant at face value, for a struggling economy losing a big attraction in the off-season would be another letdown in a year filled with disappointment.
Sports tourism has become a major economic driver for Myrtle Beach during the off- and shoulder seasons. It brings in an expected $137 million in revenue to the city every year, according to city documents, as well as filling 30 percent of hotel rooms in shoulder seasons.
Essentially sports tourism is youth sports coming to the city for tournaments or practice camps. The argument is that these teams typically travel for weeks at a time, bringing families and fans for the games that will need lodging, food and stuff to do in the evenings.
While the term wouldn’t have existed in 1980 when the Beach Ball Classic began, it’s quickly become one of the most identifiable basketball tournaments in the country. It’s attracted top talent over the years, including Kobe Bryant.
“It’s lasted 40 years and John is the one common denominator,” said Wayne Gray, a former Myrtle Beach city council member. “It was about bringing in teams, their families and followers during the Christmas season that was an economic impact.”
Dennis DiSabato, an Horry County Council member, served with Rhodes on the Beach Ball Classic Board and saw the detail-oriented way he approached leadership. He made sure each person involved accomplished the goals needed to make the sports tourism program a success every year, gaining notoriety with each and every year.
“It really impressed me that he helped build that tournament over the years,” DiSabato said. “He really introduced the idea of sports tourism and how the city could benefit from it over the years.”
Now there are dozens of tournaments across the sporting world hosting their events in Myrtle Beach, utilizing the top-of-the-line facilities that have popped up across the city under the leadership of Rhodes. Other coastal areas have begun trying to tap into that success.
The city of Myrtle Beach even has an entire position dedicated to facilitating sports tourism in the area. The Myrtle Beach Sports Center was constructed to hold the Beach Ball Classic and other major tournaments.
And with a facility worthy of hosting major events, the Beach Ball Classic has expanded with sponsors like Coca-Cola and national television spots giving it premier competition status. Due to Rhodes, there is also a women’s tournament that attracts some of the top female basketball players in the country in the week heading into Christmas.
Keeping the tournament going this year was a must for Rhodes, and it will serve as the final tournament he spearheaded. The challenges at times seemed insurmountable to Johnson as teams and advertisers pulled out even in the weeks ahead of the tournament.
But not once did Rhodes show doubt that the tournament would continue.
“Even up to the day of you never saw John waver. I thought anyone else would have folded and canceled the tournament and sent everyone home. But John was so determined that he knew the tournament was special to the community and the kids that play in it that it wasn’t just about him,” Johnson said.
Modern Myrtle Beach
Two iconic Myrtle Beach staples are actually quite new and both have Rhodes’ fingerprint on them: Market Common and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
Both were expensive restoration projects during an economic recession that drew sharp criticism from many, but those who served with Rhodes on city council said he always saw the potential of the closed Myrtle Beach Air Force Base and the space right in front of hotels.
Myrtle Beach’s boardwalk feels like it should have been there for decades, giving runners and walkers a chance to view the ocean without getting sand everywhere. It’s certainly the most scenic way for many visitors to walk from their hotel to the Skywheel area.
Wallace said when the idea for a boardwalk was proposed many were against it, but not Rhodes. He immediately saw the value in the idea and lobbied hard for its construction.
“Other people had ideas before he got there but he really became the driving factor of what became out there,” Wallace said. “John had a real talent for predicting what would draw tourism.”
Now the boardwalk is listed on many travelers’ guides as a can’t-miss part of the city.
The importance of sports tourism is on full display at Market Common. Every visitor who drives down Farrow Parkway notices the giant baseball and soccer fields that are often filled during the springtime.
Rhodes was instrumental in the creation of the Market Common district, now one of the most popular tourism attractions year-round for the area with its restaurants and shops. Even more than a decade since construction began, more homes and businesses continue to be built in the district.
A key part of the district underscores Rhodes’ love of children. Savannah’s Playground has become a nationally-known area for kids with special needs to have a good time.
The play area was spearheaded by Rhodes to give all visitors to Myrtle Beach and even their parents a safe place to play regardless of their situation. Located with a beautiful view of Market Common the playground is specifically designed with ADA-approved equipment.
“Savannah’s Playground was one of his most prized projects,” Gray said. “It’s easy to go build a basketball tournament for the Kobe Bryant’s of the world ... but it’s hard to build a playground as a world-class, nationally known place for kids with special needs. He doesn’t get recognized for doing those things that are
Remembering a friend
While Rhodes’ physical footprint can be seen across the city, his friends will always remember him as a caring mentor who’d go out of his way to help others.
Johnson only knew Rhodes for a few months before gaining his trust to help plan the Beach Ball Classic. A year prior to the tournament, Johnson planned a fundraiser to help Savannah’s Playground while he was attending Coastal Carolina University.
“He always loved people and treated them with respect. I was just a college kid in my last semester and he brought me in and treated me like an equal,” Johnson said.
Gray knew him as a teenager and quickly looked to him as a mentor who prepared him for his own political career.
“John had a boldness about him that was important during his time as mayor at the height of the recession,” Gray said. “Without that drive and boldness many of the city’s projects wouldn’t have been completed.”
DiSabato served with him on the Beach Ball Classic board when he was still new to the area.
“He had a gregarious nature,” DiSabato said. “He held everyone in that organization accountable.”
Rhodes was known for believing in others, quick to place his trust in them and defended them when they messed up.
Given his legacy, those who knew him hope he is honored in a grand way once it is safe to do so. Some ideas include a proper remembrance ceremony given the limitations on funerals at the time.
But most who want to honor Rhodes want something more permanent. Wallace said placing a statue in front of the sports complex would be fitting or possibly naming a major road after him like Mayor Robert M. Grissom of Grissom Parkway. Gray would like to see the courts at the Myrtle Beach Sports Center named in his honor.
“I can just see the name John Rhodes on the court with the way he wrote JR,” Gray said.
From sports tourism to the Market Common, Rhodes’ legacy is now built into the very identity of the city he arrived at over 50 years ago as a lifeguard and left as a luminary.
Randy Jennings (1966)
From Joe Mcvey
JOHN RHODES FROM LIFEGUARD TO MAYOR.
MY FRIEND SINCE WE WERE LIFEGUARDS IN THE EARY 60'S OH OH HOW I'M GOING TO MISS YOU.
John always had a smile for everyone and a good word for everyone. we had one disagreement in more than 50 years over a tax disbursement to the Chamber. I called and ask if we could talk about it. He said sure come on over. we talked and laughed for 1 1/2 hours about old times and old friends and we ended with a hug and walking out together, literally with our arms around each other. I found a pass to get in for early shots and he and Terry were one of the very first people I sent the link to. I immediately received a message from Terri and she thanked me for thinking of them. In the next message Terri sent to me, she said John was now in Grand Strand with pneumonia and the pandemic virus and that the next 48 hours would be critical and ask for prayers for John. I like most people who thought positive for John and thought nothing really bad would happen to him, and 48 hours later WE ALL had lost one of the very best and well-liked people who happened to be a politician by mistake who was ALWAYS trying to do what he thought was best for Myrtle Beach. I and everyone else in our town are in so much, shock and sadden by OUR loss along with his wife Terri and their extended families. I would like to suggest that THE BOARDWALK BE NAMED AFTER JOHN PLUS ANYTHING ELSE OUR CITIZENS AND JOHN'S MANY MANT FRIENDS WANT TO DO IN HIS NAME AND HONOR...GODS SPEED TO YOU MY FRIEND.
Randy Jennings (1966)
Myrtle Beach Chamber Of Commerce
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Former longtime mayor of Myrtle Beach, John Rhodes, has died after a battle with COVID-19, according to the City of Myrtle Beach.
His death was announced Sunday afternoon. Rhodes was the mayor of Myrtle Beach for 12 years and was first elected in 2005. He also was the executive director of the Beach Ball Classic basketball tournament.
Just days ago, his wife asked for prayers saying that her husband was admitted to the COVID unit and was battling the virus.
‘Rhodes was the father of sports tourism’: Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce remembers former long-time mayor
“Myrtle Beach lost a true icon last night,” Mayor Brenda Bethune told News13. “John had nothing but love for this community and he lived his life to make it better, and he did so with humor and compassion. John was a lifelong friend of my family, especially my dad and brother. I will forever remember his witty humor and happy smile. I have nothing but respect for this great man. Please join me in lifting up his wife and family in heartfelt and sincere prayer.”
The Church of the Messiah also announced Rhodes’ death on Sunday, “O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our brother John. We thank you for giving him to us, his family and friends, to know and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage.”
“The City of Myrtle Beach mourns the loss of former Mayor John Rhodes,” read the city’s post on Facebook. “Our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Rep. Tom Rice was “deeply saddened” to hear about Rhodes’s death, according to a statement released Monday morning.
“John loved our community; from the Market Common to Savannah’s Playground, he worked hard to make Myrtle Beach even better,” the statement reads. “Wrenzie and I are praying for his family.”
Randy Jennings (1966)
The former mayor of Myrtle Beach, Mark Struthers McBride, expressed his condolences on Facebook.
"Myrtle Beach’s longest-serving Mayor, Beach Ball Classic Director, restauranteur, husband, father & grandfather has left his indelible mark on Myrtle Beach, the surrounding Grand Strand and so much more."
Mayor Brenda Bethune said Rhodes had nothing but love for his community.
"John Rhodes had nothing but love for this community. He lived his life to make it better and always did so with humor," Bethune said. "Myrtle Beach is a better place because of his leadership. John was a long time friend of my family’s and I have nothing but fond memories of him and respect. My heartfelt prayers are with Terri and his entire family.”
Randy Jennings (1966)
Former Councilwomen Mary Jeffcoat ran against John in 2016
In memory of Mayor John Rhodes, I made a mini pilgrimage to some of the places in Myrtle Beach that were built under his leadership: The Boardwalk, Market Common, Grand Park Fields, Myrtle Beach Sports Center, and his beloved Savannah’s Playground. At each place, I thanked God for blessing our City with this visionary leader and prayed for his family and friends. While these tangible places are a wonderful legacy for any one person, I believe John’s greatest gift to our community was the way in which he mentored, advised and encouraged people, especially our young folks. So many of us benefited from his advice, counsel, friendship and humor. He loved his family, especially Terri, most of all. Second, he loved his City and its people. We are all better off for his having been our friend and Mayor.
We mourn the passing of former Mayor John Rhodes and send our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rhodes was devoted to his family and his city and was a good friend to the chamber and business community.
In many ways, Rhodes was the father of sports tourism and the tourism development fee.
As Mayor, Rhodes helped lead the planning, design, construction and operation of the Myrtle Beach Sports Center. He was a driving force behind the renovations at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium helping make it one of the best track facilities in our region.
He oversaw the redevelopment of what we now know as The Market Common. An upscale shopping and residential neighborhood, The Market Common is also home to the Grand Park Athletic Complex.
Rhodes was equally proud of his efforts to build Savannah’s Playground at The Market Common, an all-abilities playground where all children feel welcome, recognized as one of the best adaptive playgrounds in the country.
He worked tirelessly with elected officials and tourism leaders in Myrtle Beach and legislators in Columbia to help pass the landmark tourism legislation in Myrtle Beach to invest in tourism and help keep taxes low for Myrtle Beach residents.
His tenure as mayor, which lasted three terms, saw the development of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, the 1.3 mile project that helped spur millions in private investment on oceanfront Myrtle Beach.
He served as the director of the Beach Ball Classic since 1981 until his passing. The annual tournament is nationally recognized and brings teams from across the country to Myrtle Beach in the winter months. He was also a pioneer in girls basketball, growing a girls tournament with former UNC Women's Basketball Coach Sylvia Hatchell.
John's passion for his city and for sports shone through in every conversation, but the topic he loved to share the most was his love and pride of his wonderful family. He always had a story about projects he and his wife Terri were involved in and would share pictures of his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.
Randy Jennings (1966)
From Senator Marco Rudio
Randy Jennings (1966)
Mark Lazarus - Former Horry County Administrater
I can’t begin to express my love and friendship for this Man. We met in 1976. John opened the Gulleyfield and my Dad opened the MB Grand Prix. Our families grew close. Way too many stories to tell. I worked one summer for him at Gullyfield. Traveled together and eventually served our community with him as Mayor and myself as Chairman. Our Family will miss him dearly. Rest in peace my Friend. I will forever treasure our time together.
Randy Jennings (1966)
Julie Snowden Rajotte attending event at
Myrtle Beach Sports center
2115 Sports Center Way
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Today, as I left the Myrtle Beach Sports Center following a 3-day volleyball tournament, I was reminded of all the things John Rhodes did to develop youth sports in our area. From the Beach Ball Classic to the Sports Center to Doug Shaw Memorial stadium to Savannah’s Playground and our sports tourism industry, he was a true believer in giving kids a healthy and productive outlet for their energy and talents. With his faithful and equally passionate wife, Terri Springs, by his side, they took a vision and made it a reality for all to enjoy. It was a pleasure and honor to have known John.
Randy Jennings (1966)
Fellow MB City Councilman Randall Wallace
I caught more hell over the coat I bought in Anchorage, Alaska from John Rhodes than I can tell. He talked me into it, because the sales girl was pretty and I would be able to say I bought it from "A Master Furrier" , I cannot think of anything over the past 15 years, or even longer if you count my Shamrock's days, that John Rhodes was not one of, if no the first, person I talked to, from 3 broken hearts to the deaths of two parents and brother, and the illness of my mother, the loss of an election, and the list goes on. We traveled the country together and every where we went he knew somebody that fixed it so we could see more than I ever would have without him. He has been a truly, great friend. Prayers for his entire family.
Randy Jennings (1966)
Kimberly Hardee
I sure will miss my good friend John Rhodes . Thank you for everything you've done for the city of Myrtle Beach and for being such a great friend to me. We are sorry that we could only get a few words of thanks on the billboard. We had so much to say to express our gratitude we could have written a book!