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BORN
1946
DIED
2019
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Rivers Lynch Obituary
September 24, 1946-April 28, 2019
Myrtle Beach, SC
Rivers Foster Lynch, 72, passed away, Sunday April 28, 2019 from a heart attack at home. He lived a life focused on faith, family, friends and fun. He was born September 24, 1946 in Florence, SC to the late Clarence and Katherine Claire Huggins Lynch.Rivers attended J.C. Lynch High School in Coward, SC and Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. With his degree in Physical Education, he began his teaching career at Chesterfield High School. He then went on to teach at J.C. Lynch High School, North Myrtle Beach High School, Myrtle Beach High School and Early College High School. He enjoyed many summers during his college years at Camp-Pla-Mor and later co-owned and operated the Sun Beach Service in North Myrtle Beach. His title of "Coach" crosses many years and sports including boys and girls basketball, volleyball, track, baseball and tennis. His teams were awarded 11 Tennis State Championships Titles between 1991-2009. He was awarded SC Tennis Coach of the Year in 1992, USTA Tennis Family of the Year in 1994, SC Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2007, National Tennis Coach of the year in 2009, and High School Sports Report Lifetime Achievement Award 2009. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Teresa Grubb Lynch of Myrtle Beach, SC. They have four married daughters, Tara Lynch Gaillard (Shay,) Te-Anne Lynch Cahill (John), Tai Lynch Fisher (John), Taylor Lynch Jeffcoat (Brandon) and 13 grandchildren, Ann Claire, Mary Foster, Eliza and Cate Gaillard; John Edward, Rivers, Nolan, Foster and Caleb Cahill; Braydon, Bennett and Beau Jeffcoat and expecting baby girl Fisher. He is also survived by his brother, C.W. Lynch, Jr. (Connie) and niece Sheila Lynch Fountain (David). The family will receive friends at McMillan-Small Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 from 4:00-7:00 pm. A celebration of life service will be 11:00 AM Thursday, May 2, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church Grissom Campus with Dr. Pamela Cook presiding and the Rev. Shay Gaillard (son-in-law) and the Rev. Hank Moody assisting. Burial will follow the service at Southern Palms Memorial Gardens in North Myrtle Beach, SC. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Myrtle Beach High School All-Sports Booster Club or to his home church, King of Glory Lutheran in North Myrtle Beach of which he was a charter member. An online guestbook is available at www.msfh.net.
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Memories and Condolences
for Rivers Lynch
Tony Lovette
April 22, 2023
Our tennis group plays 3-times a week. There is not a match that goes by without us saying something that Rivers would have said or done. He was such a great friend and servant of God!
Sugar Holland
April 22, 2023
Remembering a wonderful fine man and his loving family with love.
Tony Lovette
April 22, 2022
Rivers is always with us when we step on the court. Someone will do something and we talk to Rivers. We all have great memories of him.
Diane Craigie
May 7, 2019
Our sincere condolences to the Lynch Family. Rivers Lynch was an incredible person ... so thankful I had the opportunity to get to know him during junior tennis tournaments. My husband James has many fond memories of the Lynch family from his high school tennis days. Such a great family! Sending all our love and many prayers to you all.
~Diane and James Craigie
May 6, 2019
My condolences to you and your loving family, on the loss of your dear beloved one.May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together. May the hope that God's word gives us for those we lost in death be comforting, faith building and encouraging to you. Colossians 1:11. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
May 6, 2019
Sending prayers and condolences to you in this difficult time.May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together. May the hope that God's word gives us for those we lost in death be comforting, faith building and encouraging to you. Job 33:24,25
Charles Gee
May 6, 2019
The Coach Rivers Lynch Family,
It was with sadness that I learned of Coach's recent passing. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of his many friends in the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association. What an amazing legacy he leaves that will live on in the lives of those he impacted. Pray that God will give you His comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Charles Gee
SCACA Chaplain
Meghan Fuentes (Cahill)
May 4, 2019
Coach has been a presence in my life for 27 years. He's seen me grow, change, make mistakes, and learn from them. During all these years, he consistently was a smile, a hug, and a force for good. I've seen him hustle and work hard not only as an amazing teacher and coach but as a cook, too, at my parents' restaurant Nibils. There's no job he didn't do 150% and with a smile on his face. I never heard him complain. I tried to argue a point with him a few times, and he would just smile and politely say, Well, Meghan ... . Whatever came after was right but he didn't make me feel bad for being wrong. We should all model ourselves after his kind ways and positive outlook on life. I also saw him equally love and give attention to 12 grandchildren, including my five nephews. That's no small feat, it's miraculous. He had energy for every single one. Rivers' heart was 10 times the size of an average human but Rivers wasn't average, though he'd never admit that. He's a hero and a role model to every person lucky enough to know him. I love you, I'll miss you forever, and I wish you peace on your journey to heaven dear friend, and second dad. Till we meet again xoxo
Gene and Patti Wilkes
May 2, 2019
I am so very sorry...he was a lovely man and a great teacher. Our deepest sympathy to Teresa and their family
Dennis Edge
May 2, 2019
Thank you to a coach who always greeted you with a smile. He was a blessing to us all who had him as a teacher.
Kathryn, Rick and Jack Sequerth
May 2, 2019
Dear Lynch Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We met Coach about ten years ago through junior tennis and got to know him over the years as he traveled with his grandkids to tournaments. The last time we spoke he was beaming with pride about John Edward going to the Citadel. He was such a good man with an incredible family. SC Tennis wont be the same without him. I hope your precious memories of him will bring you comfort in the days ahead.
God bless you.
Myra Starnes
May 1, 2019
The world has lost a great man,a fine example for us all
Lyn Snyder
May 1, 2019
Tara and family, my sincere love and sympathy to all of you! He was such a leader, mentor but most of all a Godly man!
His legacy will live on in you and all the lives he touched. May you feel God's love throughout this difficult time.
Scott Washam
May 1, 2019
He made all of us at CPM a part of his and Teresa's family. Thank you Rivers for the values and friendship you gave me over 45 years ago. Your memory will never fade.
Grant Kuhn
May 1, 2019
Knowing Rivers for almost 40 years, it has been my joy to count myself among his many friends. I praise him and Teresa for their raising 4 wonderful girls who, like their parents, have been such loving people. Carol and I will miss that smiling face and those kind words that Rivers always had for us all. May God bless Rivers and the Lynch family, now and for the months and years to come.
Grant Kuhn
Donna Millen
May 1, 2019
What is there to say that hasn't already be said about this amazing man and family! So grateful to have known Rivers Lynch. We love you Coach! Donna and Mike Millen
Chris Robinson
May 1, 2019
I had the pleasure to have him be a teacher of mine. He cared for all his students and wanted them to do well in life. He always had a smile on his face where ever I saw him. He was a great man and will be missed.
Sherrill and Charlie Allen
April 30, 2019
Teresa and your loving family,
We were so sad to hear of Rivers' death. What a legacy he has left not only for family but his community and beyond. May you find comfort wrapped in God's loving arms.
April 30, 2019
Dear Theresa and all the loving family of Rivers, we send our deepest sympathy and affection. It was our blessing to have known him. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Chris and Sugar Holland
Katherine (McDonald) and Wade Fulmer
April 30, 2019
Mrs. Lynch and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time of sorrow. Mr. Lynch was truly one of the last true Southern Gentlemen. He will be missed.
Elaine Michaud
April 30, 2019
Theres nothing words can say to lighten the heavyness in your hearts. Know that Rivers was such a beacon in my three childrens lives, and all the lives he touched during MBHS years, he definitely left footprints in all our hearts. Teresa you and your beautiful family are in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
April 30, 2019
Everyone at 78 Fitness at Kingston Plantation sends heart felt condolences to the Lynch family. Rivers was a long standing member and pillar of our tennis family! He will be remembered as the light that shined through his warm, kind smile that touched everyone he met.
April 30, 2019
Psalm 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years.
May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.
Phyllis Byron
April 30, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rivers will always be with us and that beautiful smile. Memories working with him at Camp Pla Mor.
Jim Hodge
April 30, 2019
One FINE man has gone .lots of great memories of this man .his dedication to Coach and every kid that passed his way will long be remembered
James Shaffer, Jr
April 30, 2019
Its with love, admiration and sadness that we say until next time. Rivers touched so many lives with that infectious smile (you know what Im talking about) and always a kind word. If there is a definition of proudest father ever his picture would be next to it. I have to say my life is better knowing that he was one I could call my friend. God bless and keep the Lynch family and until we meet again on the white sandy beach.
James Shaffer, CPM/Sun Beach Service
Laura Farmer
April 29, 2019
So saddened to hear about Rivers. Family, please know you are in my heart and prayers. May God give you peace and comfort in the days ahead and surround you with His love. Love to all.
Linda Callender
April 29, 2019
Teresa and family, there are no words to express the sadness I felt when I learned of Rivers' death, but I took comfort in knowing that that he will live on through all of the people whose lives he touched. Right now you are grieving for the loss of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, but the strong family bond you share will not be broken by your grief, but strengthened instead. He will be watching over you, gentling coaching from above. God bless and keep you all.
Mary Stackhouse-Baker
April 29, 2019
Mrs.Lynch and family I am saddened for your loss .I am praying for you and your family ,God bless you all.
Brenda Smith Viers
April 29, 2019
My condolences and sympathies to you Tai and your family. Trust God and He will get you thru.
Timothy Drake
April 29, 2019
Mr. Lynch, because of you I can call myself a high school graduate. Because of you I found the strength and courage to give my life to Christ and put drugs and alcohol behind me. Because of you I am a better me today. You truly mean the world to me and I love you! Thanks for showing everyone you came in contact with the true love of Christ. You are the most Christ like man I've ever had the pleasure of meeting and I thank God for the privilege of knowing you. You truly impacted my life in so many positive ways. I'll do my best to continue to make you proud. Mrs. Lynch, praying for you and your family. I love you all. Tim Drake Class of 1992/Graduate of first GED Class (Thanks to your wonderful husband)
Valerie West
April 29, 2019
Mr. Lynch believed in me and was the main reason I graduated from high school during a difficult time in my life. I wish I was there to personally give my sympathies to his beautiful family. Thinking of you all.
Kay Todd
April 29, 2019
I am very sorry for your loss, Mr. Lynch always had a smile, i dont think i ever saw him upset. He was so caring an loved his students. He will surely be missed.
Hugh Minielly
April 29, 2019
As one of many snowbird tennis players from Canada, Rivers smile and warm nature brought sunshine to our arrival back every year to Kingston Plantation.
He was a gentleman in so many ways both on the court and off..... except for his unforgiving shots at the net! We will dearly miss him next March.
Tony Lovette
April 29, 2019
I played tennis with Rivers (3) times a week. I looked up to him on his morale compass, family values, Love for others and his friendship. We all loss a Great man. I am sure the lord has a plan for him.
Stephanie Lewis Thompson
April 29, 2019
We are sending much love and prayers to my friends from far away. What a beautiful, strong and loving family he has built.
Elaine DeCastro-Greenlief
April 29, 2019
Rivers was a one-of-a-kind man of excellence. To have worked with him, and Teresa, at MBHS was truly a privilege and a daily reminder of what an outstanding and kind man he was. My sincerest condolences to Teresa, his well loved family and those closest to him. Please know you will remain in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Rick Gurganus
April 29, 2019
I'm so sad to hear of Myrtle Beach's loss! May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I have nothing but good memories of Coach Lynch :D. He was truly a wonderful man.
Roger Bryan
April 29, 2019
Rivers was a special person! I played tennis with him and he was always gracious and thoughtful. He will be missed by many who knew his kind and generous nature
Randal Wallace
April 29, 2019
I am speechless. I cannot even imagine a Myrtle Beach High School sporting event without Mr. Lynch there. I would go to Beach Ball Classic - Holiday Invitational Games over the years and always tried to go see the Seahawks play. I have been to many of the down bracket games at 10 am or earlier, when the only people in attendance were the players, coaches, Convention Center employees, maybe one or two parents, and Rivers and Teresa Lynch. They were the backbone of that school. Always smiling, always happy, and always encouraging people. His contribution to Myrtle Beach will stand pretty tall for as long as the thousands of students that he impacted positively are out impacting others. We should all be that lucky. Mrs. Lynch and the entire Lynch family are in our prayers.
Elliot Giddens with Coach Rivers Lynch
Mary Jane Goodman-Giddens
April 29, 2019
Rivers Lynch with Mentor Isaac Giddens
Mary Jane Goodman-Giddens
April 29, 2019
Mary Jane Goodman-Giddens
April 29, 2019
My sincere and deep condolences are sent to you Teresa, your daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. Your husband, and you Teresa, are, and will always be, inspirations for our family. The care, love, and joy Rivers shared, and continues to share by way of memories and stories of him, made this life better for all who knew him well, and those who didnt. His infectious happiness will continue to make the daily lives of those he met better. His character and caring will continue to profoundly affect the lives of others. He was beyond Coach. He was a mentor, a larger than life guardian to the many he taught and led by example through the young childhood and teen years. He will continue to be a mentor and cheerleader to the adults who have been blessed to know him. His example will continue to affect many from years to come. The Giddens family is privileged to have known Rivers, and you Teresa.
I send much love to you and your family and hope for peace sooner rather than later.
Rachael Georgas
April 29, 2019
From the moment Jon & I met your Dad, we always thought he was upbeat & positive. This is evident by all, and is equally seen throughout the Lynch family. You are covered in prayer. We love you all & are grateful for the friendship we have. Love -Rachael & Jonathan Georgas
SHARON RAMBOLD
April 29, 2019
WE WERE SO BLESSED TO CALL HIM OUR NEIGHBOR. WE ARE GOING TO MISS THAT BEAUTIFUL SMILE NOW AND FOREVER. RIP RIVERS. THE RAMBOLD FAMILY
Robert Moser
April 29, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers go out the the Lynch family. Rivers was a great person and a pillar of Myrtle Beach youth.
Nils Regnell
April 29, 2019
A good man who inspired many of us to give when it was not always easy, to look for the best in all students and above all be someone who cares. He will be missed. RIP.
Phyllis Nykiel
April 29, 2019
Amazing man and family. I feel privileged to have worked with him and Teresa and saw first hand his love for his family and students. He will be missed.
Alice D'Antoni Phillips
April 29, 2019
Rivers was a prince of a man. I am lucky to have known him and his amazing wife, Teresa, professionally and personally. The world is better because of his stellar work. He leaves a precious legacy with his family. Soar, my friend, your Earthly mission was brilliantly completed.
Kaye Leonard
April 29, 2019
So saddened to hear this unexpected news. My thoughts and prayers are lifted for the entire family.
Mary Nelson
April 28, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of great loss. His smile and kindness will be greatly missed. His deep sense of family and obvious love for you were things of joy to behold.
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McMillan-Small Funeral Home & Crematory910 67th Ave North P.O. Box 7506, Corner of 67th Ave. And Bypass 17, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
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