The competitive shooting community is mourning the loss of Bullseye Pistol competitor and match director Cecil Rhodes II, who passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, November 27, 2023. He was a huge presence in the shooting sports, both locally in North Carolina and nationally, and put an immense amount of effort into supporting and promoting the shooting lifestyle that we all embrace. Cecil was 67 years old.
Cecil Rhodes II was born October 25, 1956, in Beulaville, N.C., and later moved to Raleigh, N.C., to attend North Carolina State University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Cecil married Susan Bostic in 1982, and after settling in Clayton, N.C., his family grew with the birth of daughter Elizabeth in 1992. In 2016, he retired as a vice president after a successful career with ElectriCities of North Carolina, Inc.
Cecil ran Bullseye Pistol matches at Sir Walter Gun Club in Creedmoor, N.C., for more than 20 years, making the sport a destination at that club. His dedication to the sport was unsurpassed. In addition to mentoring new shooters, Cecil published articles on many aspects of the shooting sports, including one entitled “Camp Perry” that many would read each year before making our trek to Camp Perry. His article on Camp Perry has become a critical part of that legacy for many people.
A talented competitive shooter, Cecil won numerous State and Regional Championships, along with winning the .45 Caliber National Championship in 2006. He earned Distinguished Badges in Service Pistol (2001, Badge No. 1232), Revolver (2006, Badge No. 9) and .22 Rimfire Pistol (2018, Badge No. 76). Cecil also earned the President’s 100 at least 14 times (probably more, as records go back only to 2003). In 2003, he finished third overall in the President’s 100 and was the High Civilian competitor at that match. Additionally, in 2007 he was part of the National Civilian Team earning the Elihu Root Award.
In 2019, he was part of the North Carolina Rifle and Pistol Association Team that won the Oglethorpe Trophy for being the top civilian team, as well as the Gold Cup Trophy for being the top overall winning team.
He is survived by his wife, Susan, and daughter Elizabeth. Cecil was laid to rest at his family’s burial grounds on Sunday, December 3, 2023.
Cecil was taken from us by an insidious disease that is so rare it affects only one in 1,000,000 Americans—CJD or Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Research on this disease is being conducted at Case Western Reserve University, where donations in Cecil’s honor may be made.
Read Cecil Rhodes’ obituary here.
Legends: Cecil Rhodes II
October 25, 1956 – November 27, 2023
