Ralph Rhyne Obituary
He was born to Miles and Sara Alva "Abbe" Rhyne on Jan. 3, 1940, in Gastonia. His father, Miles Rhyne, was the Chief of Police in Gastonia, and his uncle, Robert Rhyne, was the Fire Chief.
Ralph was an inventor and self-made mechanical engineer. He worked for Carolina Machinery in Charlotte and also Wise Industries in Gastonia, where he later became a part owner of the company. He also built and ran his own shop, Kings Mtn. Textile Machinery, in Kings Mtn. N.C. Ralph obtained several patents for his mechanical inventions and traveled all over the United States and internationally selling and installing his textile machinery.
Ralph was an active member of West Avenue Presbyterian Church and also Southminster Presbyterian Church in Gastonia. He later retired to Columbia, NC with his wife Rhonda where he enjoyed gardening and fishing in the Albemarle Sound. Ralph was an avid treasure hunter and gold miner. He discovered many historical relics based on his research and knowledge of lesser known Civil War battles and skirmishes across the Carolinas.
He loved his family, laughed easily, and made darn good BBQ. He will be missed.
Ralph Rhyne is survived by wife Rhonda Rhyne, children Joey Zaytoun, Stephi Weatherington, Jennifer Rhyne, and Sara Rhyne, grandchildren Ashley Zaytoun, Haley Weatherington, Ashley Weatherington, Alexis Buchanan, and Lea Buchanan, great-grandchild Lani Zaytoun, and beloved rescue dog Paco.
Memorial Service will be held at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Gastonia on Sept. 19 at noon. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Burke Hospice Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Dennis Gomez
November 19, 2019
I worked for Ralph with a few other men at Kings Mountain Textile Machinery for about 6.5 years. He was wonderful to work for. The atmosphere was so relaxed and fun. Every morning we would all sit and drink coffee for anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or so while just discussing history or events. It was an honor to help build his famous Sweet Jet textile machine. This machine was so popular with every Textile plant in the South as it would save a million dollars a year in recycled Cotten! It was a very simple process and he used all American parts that could be purchased at a local hardware store yet the German company Trutzschler would eventually purchase the international rights to it. He had us build some cool things like a real working cannon and a huge western Safe in which he stored relics and gold that he had found with John Long. I was involved in his relic hunting as he paid me to help research civil war historical events in the Carolinas. I remember camping along the Santee Cooper River while hunting for Cannon with an underwater detector just to name a few adventures. I miss those days with his son Joey (an amazing drummer and drag racer) Glenn Ingle ( who has gone on as well) , John Long (and his tobacco buckets). Our Salesman Wilber Smith (a herioic Vietnam Vet). As a young man these men with Ralph made for a special place to work that I will never forget. I miss you Ralph and hope to see you in Heaven some day! Pastor Dennis Gomez , New Life Baptist, Bessemer City, NC
Jennifer Rhyne
September 15, 2015
Thank you for sharing your nice memories and kind words of support.
September 11, 2015
He was a great guy and taught me a lot about electronics when we worked at Fiber controls in the early 60s.
Brice Warren
September 11, 2015
So sorry to learn of the loss of a special friend. In high school we were members of the Road Angels Hot Rod Club. Can never forget Ralph's customized 1952 Chevrolet painted white.Lots of memories of good times at the river, playing badmitton a lot of laughter. He was such a talented individual. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.Brice and Georgia Warren
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Ralph Rhyne's name
How to support Ralph's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Ralph Rhyne's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
