Howard Rhyne

Howard Earl Rhyne, age 89, of Stony Point passed away Sunday, July 21, 2013 at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem after a brief illness. Born in Alexander County on May 10, 1924 he was the son of the late Joseph Reid and Beulah Combs Rhyne. On January 31, 1942 he married the former Varina Willet. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the United States Army with the Combat Engineers in the European Pacific Theater. He retired as Operations Manager from the J. C. Penney Distribution Center after 39 years of service. Mr. Rhyne was a member of VFW Post 10,000 and American Legion Post 65. Mr. Rhyne was a charter member of Temple Baptist Church in Stony Point having helped to organize and build the church from the beginning. If you ever called and his answering machine said he was on "visitation" that meant he was at the lake fishing. He was an outdoor person and loved to mow his grass and did this up until his death. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and loved spending time with family and friends, many of whom he called at night just to talk. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Eloise Rhyne Wilson. He is survived by his wife of 71 years Varina Willet Rhyne, three children, Marilyn R. Kerley and husband Carl of Stony Point, Joyce R. Byers and husband Dale of Statesville, and Wayne Rhyne and wife Susie of Stony Point. Five grandchildren, Carla K. Keever and husband Eric of Statesville, Suzanne R. Wallace and husband Glenn of Stony Point, Jeffery Byers of Stony Point, Cheryl Byers and husband Dr. Kevin Sill of Tampa, Florida, and Dwain Rhyne and wife Christa of Statesville. Seven great grandchildren, Courtney Goble, Parks Keever, Connor Wallace, Samantha Keever, Freeman Wallace, Mazie Rhyne and Mattox Rhyne. He is also survived by three brothers, William Lee Rhyne and David Rhyne both of Statesville and Wade Rhyne of Cornelius. He is also survived by his many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved dearly. The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 24 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:50 p.m. at Temple Baptist Church in Stony Point. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the church with Rev. Jason Payne and Rev. Bill Mason officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military rites by VFW Post 10,000 and VFW Post 5466. Pallbearers will be nephews Steve Rhyne, Jerry Rhyne, Scott Byers, Chris Brown, Phillip Brown and William DeJarnette, III. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of VFW Post 10,000 and VFW Post 5466. Memorials may be made to Temple Baptist Church, P. O. Box 327, Stony Point, NC 28678 or Purple Heart Homes, P. O. Box 5535, Statesville, NC 28687. Online condolences can be made to the family at nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Howard Rhyne.