It is often said that we appreciate something more after we have lost it.

That same principle applies with people, too. Last week William Rhodes was a part of the Southern Virginia family. This week his family and the Southern Virginia community mourn his passing. Rhodes, a member of the housekeeping staff since 2008, had the responsibility of keeping Durham Hall clean and ready for students and faculty to use and enjoy.

Rhodes died on Wednesday, July 8. He was 53 years old. According to his co-workers, Rhodes had had surgery on his arm the previous week and was scheduled to work on Wednesday. That morning he called to say his arm was hurting too much to come in.

Ward Lockett, head of physical facilities for Southern Virginia University, hired Rhodes last summer to help with housekeeping in The Lofts. “I taught both William and his son Adam in shop class at Parry McCluer High School. William was a quiet, polite young man. The reason I hired him is that he was a good student. He always followed through with what he was asked,” Lockett said.

Although less well-known to the broad campus community, Rhodes had a definite impact on those who had contact with him, the students who exchanged daily greetings with him in Durham and his fellow housekeepers.

Senior Georgi Ana Smith, when told of his passing, mirrored the reaction of many of the students: “I know who he is. He was a really nice guy.”

“I look for him to pop up any time. I miss him being here,” said Gay Ramsey, who works in housekeeping. “He was really good to work with.”

Ramsey and coworker Missy Plogger both mentioned how helpful Rhodes was. “He was just a really, really nice man,” confirmed Plogger, who, with Brandy Johnson, trained Rhodes when he took over the Durham cleaning responsibilities. “He’d do anything for you. He was always helping.”