Richard Hardy Rhyne

August 18, 2014

Richard Hardy Rhyne went to meet with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 14, 2014.

He began his journey on November 5, 1937, in Bonifay, born to Hardy and Evelyn Rhyne. He later moved to Ft. Walton Beach, where he attended Choctawhatchee High School and received the football “Top Player of the Year” award in 1956 and  graduated in 1957.

Richard served in the United States Army as a paratrooper for six years, and was dedicated to his God and Country.

Richard began a dedicated career as a Florida Highwaypatrolman in 1962. He moved to Pensacola in the early 60’s serving Northwest Florida, where he was honored with awards such as the Gordon Smith Award for Outstanding State Trooper in 1974, and State Trooper of the Year twice, as well as many other accomplishments and awards. He served as a homicide investigator for many years, and retired as a sergeant in June 2001 with 39 years and four months service.

Richard is known best for his passion for life and spirited personality. He is described by many as a lifelong friend, always dancing through life, generous, never meeting a stranger, always smiling and laughing with a hug for everyone. He was a great story teller, avid hunter, fisherman, boater, and still loved to jet ski at the age of 76. He coached his sons in little league football for the Brent Raiders and had been a member of the Grand Lagoon Yacht Club for many years. No matter what Richard was passionate about, he gave it his heart and soul, making a lasting impression on everyone he encountered and affecting their hearts and lives like no other, without even realizing it.

He is survived by his love of 12 years, Sandra “Kaye” Enterkin; two sons, Richard “Tim” (Marcella) Rhyne and Randall A. Rhyne (Nancy Balk) both of Pensacola; one stepdaughter, Dana (Ken) Whitton of Mobile; nine grandchildren, Brandon (Jenna) Rhyne of Pensacola, Whitney Rhyne (Cody Bunten) of Summerdale, Peyton and Bailey Rhyne of Pensacola;  Brian, Deven, Nathan, Ayden and Brendalyn Whitton of Mobile; two great granddaughters; three brothers, Gordon (Vickie) Rhyne, Mark (Connie) Rhyne, and Glen (Pam) Rhyne; one sister, Judy (George) Vilardi and many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 22, 2014, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with Bro. Chris Hendrix, officiating. Burial to follow in Barrancas National Cemetery.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2014, at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be David Karasek, Dewayne Williamson, Marque Hendrix, Nick Carter, Ray Danielson and Ray Dykes.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North  entrusted with arrangements.

Comments

One Response to “Richard Hardy Rhyne”

  1. Stacey Schultz on August 19th, 2014 5:07 pm

    I had the honor of meeting Richard in 1997 when I went to work for the Florida Highway Patrol. From the first time I met him until present, I called him a friend and it hurts my heart to know that he wont be shaking his head and asking me ” What are you doin”.To the family, I truly am sorry for your loss and even though we lost a great friend, Heaven gained an even greater angel! R.I.P Richard Rhyne!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries