He was born in Gaston County on March 1st, 1941, the son of the late Robert Ray Rhyne and Madelyn Johnson Rhyne. Jerry was a professional fisherman and outdoor entertainer. He was an avid sportsman. He loved fishing, hunting, golf, poker and vacationing in Florida.
He is survived by his loving wife of over 63 years, Janice Mauney Rhyne; sister in-laws Myra Eckard Rhyne, Sherry Mauney Mitchem; two sons, Mark (spouse Lori Pate Rhyne), Greg (spouse Marlo Barger Rhyne); grandchildren Victoria Price and Parker Ray Rhyne; great grandchildren Dylan Stager and Dakota Price.
Jerry attended college at Belmont Abby, he went on to develop his career as a professional fisherman. As a professional fisherman, Jerry was a World Ranked Fisherman for 25 consecutive years. He won tournaments in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Cuba. B.A.S.S Champion, 11 time Bassmaster Classic qualifier. ABF Grand Prix Champion, North Carolina B.A.S.S. Federation State Champion. He achieved a Gold Medal in International Fishing.
Jerry’s career was endorsed by sponsorships including Shoney’s, The Hungry Fisherman, Remington, Dupont, Wrangler, Berkley, Shimano, Ranger Boats, Minn kota, Johnson and Evinrude Motors, Chevy Trucks, Shakespeare, and Lowrance.
With his passion for fishing and fishing tournaments, Jerry wanted to do something for the “working man”. Having that desire, Jerry started the “Hungry Fisherman Bass Circuit”. In later years, the circuit became “The Fisherman’s Bass Circuit with Jerry Rhyne”.
He owned two TV Shows: “Saltwater Adventures with Jerry Rhyne” and “The Fisherman’s bass circuit with Jerry Rhyne”.
As an outdoor entertainer, he was also on “Bill Dance Outdoors”, “Jimmy Houston Outdoors”, “Fishing University with Charlie Ingram “, “Bassmaster’s TV”, and “Fishing with Freddie Grant”.
Jerry loved his family and his friends; he will be tremendously missed.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his father in-law and mother in-law Odell Mauney and Helen Lowe Mauney, brothers Bruce (spouse Carol F. Rhyne) and Scott Rhyne.
A service celebrating Jerry’s life will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday March 10, 2024 at Carothers Funeral Home, 412 South Main Street, Stanley, NC. Jerry’s family will receive guests one hour before the service beginning at 2:00 pm at the funeral home. Jerry will be laid to rest at Mauney Cemetery in Stanley immediately following the service. Pastor Blain Boyd, of Denver Baptist Church, will be the officiant.
Fond memories of Jerry and condolences for the family may be left at www.carothersfuneralhomestanley.com.
The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, that memorial donations are made in Jerry’s name to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org.
The staff of Carothers Funeral Home, in Stanley, is honored to serve the Rhyne Family.
