John Russell Rhoat, 87 of Murphy, NC died Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Murphy Medical Center after a long bout with cancer. He was born July 21, 1930 in Pennsylvania, son of the late Charles and Verna Rhoat.
John grew up in Saxton, PA. He loved bowling, fishing, repairing antique clocks, playing with this grandchildren and casino games. John served his country in the US Army (Korean War) and later was employed for 30 years at Lockport Felt Co./Niagara Wire/Weavexx as Superintendent. He retired in 1992. After retiring, John and his wife owned and operated Stuff-Tiques Antique Mall in Andrews and then in downtown Murphy for a total of 17 years.
John enlisted in the US Army in January 1949 at the tender age of 18. He received his Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was then stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. When an opportunity arose, he attended Radio School at Fort Knox, KY. He then returned to Fort Hood, TX, Regular Army Unit.
The Korean War broke out June 1950 and John was shipped to Korea aboard the General A.W. Brewster. It took seven days to arrive at his destination. He spent 16 months fighting the Korean War. He was in B Company, Sixth Medium Tank Battalion attached to the 24th Infantry Division. He returned to the United States, aboard the Sergeant Joe P. Martinez, a WWII Victory Ship. It took 21 days to return, stormy all the way. He was then stationed at Camp Polk, LA. John was Honorably Discharged, having been awarded five Bronze Stars and the Korean Service Medal. John's rank upon discharge was Corporal.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 44 1/2 years, Betty Culverwell Rhoat; daughter, Vicki L. (Eric) Loper of Starkville, MS; daughter-in-law, Kelly Robertson of The Villages, FL; sisters, Betty Weidel of Newfane, NY and Lois Stinson of PA and one brother, Kenneth Rhoat of Cuba, NY. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his children, John Rhoat, Jr., Lisa Rhoat, Charles (Chuck) Rhoat, Ronald (Ron) Rhoat and his step-son, Scott D. Robertson and also one sister, Joanne Rainey of Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to: The American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23058 in memory of Scott D. Robertson, beloved step-son.
There will be no viewing or visitation at this time.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
Elbert Edwin Timpson 
