Obituary
Louis H. “Bud” Rhymes, Jr., 78, passed away suddenly on June 4, 2022 after a short illness.
Bud is survived by his “main squeeze”, Theresa M. Lewis and her children and grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis H. and Hazel B. Rhymes. He is also survived by many loving friends and he truly appreciated their friendships over the years.
Bud was a true renaissance man and lived his life his way. He graduated from LSU with a Masters in Music Ed and taught music at several schools in the US: Callaway High in Jackson, MS; Briarwood High in East Point, GA, where his jazz band won State Honors and received an award from then-Governor Jimmy Carter; and Savannah Country Day School in Savannah, GA. He wanted to make sure his former students knew he was “eternally grateful for them making him look so good!” He still talked about them fondly up thru his last days.
During breaks between schools was Bud’s “Easy Rider Period”. He flew to London, bought a Triumph motorcycle and drove it around Europe and Africa several months before flying it back to Atlanta to drive another 3 years. Another year, he flew back to Europe and bought a Volkswagon Microbus/Camper and spent another 11 months traveling overseas.
In the 80’s, he moved to Georgetown, FL and taught remedial math and English at St. Johns Community College to students who “were unprepared for college by their sorry ass high schools in Putnam County”. He applied to teach at SJCC and Florida School of the Arts but they had no music program so taught other classes instead. He held his students to high standards and would take no excuses for a student not doing their part. His favorite response to students who didn’t have their assignments prepared was “if you’re looking for sympathy, it’s in the dictionary between shit and syphilis”.
He also wrote a weekly outdoor column for the Crescent City Courier-Journal. He met some real characters while writing his column and also learned the St Johns River.
After a dispute with the college about student standards, he quit and became a fishing guide on the St. Johns River, guiding thousands of people on bass fishing trips in 25+ years he was a guide. It was during these years that he met his “main squeeze”, per Theresa – Bud was the best catch she’s ever had. He wanted his former clients to know that he appreciated they “weren’t assholes” on his boat. Many of them were long term clients over the years and he truly loved guiding them on these trips.
He loved music and traveled extensively to hear great orchestras, jazz bands, opera and Broadway. Bud always had one foot in the road and was always ready to go.
Bud was “one of LSU’s less illustrious alumni”, but he was their number one fan. One of the best highlights in past years was LSU’s football team having a perfect year and winning the championship in 2019. Geaux Tigers!
He was an amazing man who led an amazing life and will be missed by all who loved him.
(Words in quotes are his own words, not the writer’s.)
A Celebration of Bud’s life will be held at a later date. Please let Theresa know if you are interested in attending.
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