Bill Rhyne

Mr. William Hazel Rhyne, Jr., 87, of Statesville, passed away Monday, August 29, 2011, at N.C. State Veterans Nursing Home in Salisbury following a period of declining health. Mr. Rhyne was born May 3, 1924 in Alexander County and was the son of the late William Hazel Rhyne, Sr. and Jettie Foy Rhyne. He was a graduate of Stony Point High School and was married to Jenna Wilson Rhyne, who preceded him in death on August 12, 2004. Mr. Rhyne was formerly a route salesman with Pepsi Cola Co. where he was known as the "Pepsi Man" by his customers in Alexander County. Mr. Rhyne was a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II, a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Hickory, N.C. and was also a member of American Legion Hurst Turner Post 65. In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Rhyne was also preceded in death by two sons, Richard Alan Rhyne and Kenneth Eugene Rhyne and one daughter, Janice Arlene Rhyne. He was also preceded in death by one sister, Coleen R. Stikeleather, a brother, Joe B. Rhyne, Sr. and a grandson, Wesley Alan Rhyne. He is survived by one son, Keith Rhyne of the home, one grandson, Bradley S. Rhyne of Olin, a great-granddaughter, Jasmine Rhyne of Statesville and one sister, Lucy R. Burke of Little River, S.C. He is further survived by "special daughters" Renee Bergner, Carol Lewallen, Nancy Pingel and Debbie Moore along with a daughter-in-law, Linda Rhyne. Funeral services will be conducted 3:00 pm Friday, September 2, 2011 at Christ Lutheran Church in Hickory, N.C. with Pastor Richard Schwandt officiating. Burial will follow in the Taylorsville City Cemetery in Taylorsville, N.C. The family will visit with friends Thursday evening from 6:30 until 8:00 pm at the Nicholson Funeral Home and also Friday afternoon from 2:00 until 3:00 pm at the church. Memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran FLC Kitchen Fund, 324 Second Ave, SE, Hickory, N.C. 28602 or to McLeod Guest House, P.O. Box 100551, Florence, S.C. 28502-0551. The family would like to extend a special thanks for the love and care given by Missy Harper and Chantel Blankenship. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com/obituaries. Nicholson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.