Robert Andrew Rhyne

surrounded by family and friends on Friday June 23, 2023.

Robert was born on April 11, 1948 to Richard Rhyne and Mary T. Rhyne. Raised in Raleigh,

North Carolina, Robert graduated from Broughton High School and went on to pursue an

undergraduate degree at East Carolina University followed by a Masters in Education

Administration at University of North Carolina Central. His first job following graduation was as

an educator which eventually led to a lengthy career as a public school administrator.

He married his former wife and mother to his children, Martha Shortridge, in 1969. They and

their two children, Robert and Ginger, moved to Long Beach in the late 1970s. Robert or Bob

was a prominent member of the island community. As Principal of South Brunswick Middle

School, he loved his students, staff and families. In support of his beloved community, he ran

the Brunswick Learning Center. He was an avid supporter of the surfing community and founded

the Oak Island Labor Day Surf-Off, the Fourth of July Beach Day surf contest as well as the

Brunswick Surf League in the 1980s-90s. He also enjoyed golf and organized many

tournaments to benefit the Learning Center.

Above all, Bob fiercely loved his friends. He never met a stranger and developed strong

relationships all throughout his life. He lived by the principles of working hard (playing hard too),

keeping your word and always taking care of others. Among the many life lessons he handed

down, one quote remembered by his son: “Even though banana peels are organic you can't just

throw them anywhere.”

Bob is survived by his two children, Robert C. Rhyne and Ginger Davenport, three grandsons,

Mercer Rhyne, Bennett Rhyne and Reed Davenport. One brother Richard Rhyne, one nephew

and two nieces as well as many cousins. He will be fondly remembered by his family, friends,

colleagues, and countless individuals he impacted along the way. His warm, fun and generous

spirit reached many and will live on forever.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com for the Rhyne family.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.