Slain Moore County Deputy Laid to Rest

The hearse carrying the casket of slain Moore County sheriff's deputy Rick Rhyne passes under an American flag attached to the Southern Pines and Aberdeen fire department ladder trucks on U.S. 1 at U.S. 15-501 North.

By John Chappell

As of Tuesday, December 13, 2011

By John Chappell

Originally published December 12, 2011 at 6:21 p.m., updated December 12, 2011 at 6:21 p.m.

The distant sound of a piper and “Amazing Grace” began the final rites Monday afternoon for a much beloved law-enforcement officer.

Moore County sheriff’s deputy Rick Rhyne died in the line of duty Thursday when he was shot and killed while tryingto arrest an Iraq war veteran with a history of mental troubles.

Owens Auditorium at Sandhills Community College was overflowing with hundreds of mourners, including law-enforcement officers from Moore County and across the state.

“We thank you for Rick Rhyne,” David Borroughs said in opening the service with prayer. “We thank you for sharing him with us.”

After the service ended, a large procession of law enforcement vehicles escorted the hearse carrying Rhyne’s casket to Taylor Memorial Baptist Church in Roseland, where he was buried.

Fire departments blocked some 35 intersections along U.S. 1 through Southern Pines and Aberdeen. The procession passed under an American flag attached to the Southern Pines and Aberdeen fire department ladder trucks at the intersection of U.S. 1 and U.S. 15-501 North.

Rhyne, 58, was the first Moore County sheriff's deputy ever to be killed in the line of duty.

Borroughs was one of several speakers at the funeral service. He said he had known Rhyne since the ninth grade when they met in a civics class.

“He devoted his life to keeping peace and order in his home county,” Bouroughs said. “I am sure if he knew what was happening today, he would say, ‘Who, me?’ He began when he was 21 years old, and for a time was the only policeman — later he was chief. He was a good guy. When you see that blue light and somebody pulled over — somebody’s life is being saved. Ricky went into this in order to help people. With the number of folks gathered here today, he helped a lot. Our hearts are hurting today. One has been snatched from us in a violent, sudden kind of way.”

Another minister, Joseph Needham, told a number of stories from Rhyne’s love of motorcycle trips.

“Rick has gone on his last, long journey,” he said. “We can just imagine him smiling, waiting to tell us of his adventures.”

To the accompaniment of Vince Gill’s “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” videos of Rhyne cruising mountain roads on his bright yellow bike played on large screens.

Needham quoted from the gospel of John.

“Greater love hath no man than this,” he said, reading from John 15. “that he lay down his life for his friends.”

That was what Rhyne had done all his life, as all law officers do — where just to go to work is risk for them, Needham said. He spoke of Rhyne as one ever helpful to other, and to fellow officers.

“Many of you remember how he pulled a shift for you,” he said. “Something we all take for granted, but which in this case means taking a risk — a risk he was willing to take, and it is my honor to be in a room with so many willing to take that risk. We thank you.

“Rick raised a family that serves and protects. May we never forget what a risk is it, and that they are there taking a risk for us — so that we won’t have to. Deputy Rick Rhyne showed the greatest love. May God bless his family, his fellow officers, and strengthen you.”

Rhyne and his wife Rhonda had just celebrated their 40 years of marriage.

Retired Maj. Gen. Don Strait said he was deeply honored for Wanda Rhyne to have asked him to say a few words.

“I don’t think any loss I experienced affected me as much as Rick,” Strait said. “We were such good friends over the years. I couldn’t get over it, and tried to remember when Rick and I first met. I moved to Foxfire after retirement and built a home.”

Strait said he had slipped from a ladder while trying to make a repair on his new home.

“Just at that moment, a police car came up and noticed my position on that ladder and pulled into our driveway,” he said. “Rick assisted me in getting down, and we had quite a chuckle over my predicament.”

Over his many years, Rhyne helped him, helped him get his TV working, helped work in his shop. He advised Rhyne’s son, Alan, to consider Emory Riddle University. Rhyne’s son is now a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force, as is his wife, Jessica. Both are F-16 fighter pilots.

“This tragic event should make us aware of the deep gratitude we owe to our law officers,” Strait said. “They put their lives on the line every day. God bless America.”

Sheriff Lane Carter said during the service that “the outpouring of love and friendship” the department has received meant a lot.

“Since his early days, Rick has been a mentor to many and a friend to all,” he said. “I for one — and I am sure all the other officers in this room — was proud to serve with Rick.”

He had met Rhyne the day he became a law officer, Carter said. He had gone to Pinehurst, where Rhyne met him with the big smile that became legendary.

“He loved his work, ladies and gentlemen,” Carter said. “He loved it with a passion. “He was the first man I’d see when I came to work. I believe in getting up and getting to work early, and when I’d get in — at 6:30 — he would be there.”

Carter spoke of people Rhyne had arrested who gave him credit for helping them turn their lives around.

“He was a true friend to all of us,” Carter said, quoting from a poem at the law enforcement memorial: “’He traded in his badge for a pair of angel wings, and traded the sound of sirens for the songs the angels sing.’ End of watch: Dec. 7, 2011.”

At a command, all law officers present stood to attention and rendered one final salute.

Terry Brown spoke of Rhyne as a man who meant the world to him and said he could only imagine what people there could be feeling.

“When I got the news, I thought about what I would be remembered for,” he said. “Would I be remembered as a trusted friend, one who helped? Mr. Rhyne was a loving husband, a loving husband, a trusted colleague who treated all with respect. My heart hurts for you have lost your brother, a colleague, a friend, a mentor. We have lost a dear friend. Grandchildren – now too young to understand – listen to all the stories of what Grandpa did. They are all true. Wanda, Alan, there is only one thing I can think of when I think of Mr. Rhyne: What a legacy!”

Rhyne, 58, was the first sheriff's deputy ever to be killed in the line of duty. He was shot and killed by Martin Abel Poynter last Thursday afternoon, when he attempted to arrest Poynter on a child support warrant after responding to a trespassing call at a home at 753 Morrison Bridge Road in the extreme eastern part of the county.

A memorial account has been set up for Rhyne through First Bank. Dona-tions to the Deputy Rick Rhyne Memorial Account can be dropped off in person at any First Bank location, or can be mailed to First Bank, P.O. Box 125, Carthage, NC 28327.

More like this story

LauraLeigh 1 year, 5 months ago

Thank you for this information. WRAL is reporting that the body would be transported from the funeral service at Sandhills to the burial site via caisson - which is not only an impractical step (it's more than 14 miles by the shortest route) but also an error.

I went over to the cemetery a few minutes ago and met a couple members of the caisson team. They will actually be transferring the casket to the caisson at a location a couple hundred yards from the church. That procession should be a truly beautiful one.

Poundman 1 year, 5 months ago

My deepest sympathies go out to the family of Officer Rhyne but I must say that the police force that is controlling traffic for this event is rude and arrogantly forceful. I just had a 18 year old pimple face officer yell at me because I didn't pull my car over soon enough, I had no idea what was going on. These kids need to understand we pay their wage.

My wife earlier saw an older women get pulled over near McDonald's because she didn't yield soon enough.

Again I feel for Officer Rhyne, his family and all affected by his tragic passing but this doesn't give the police force the right to take it out on normal citizens.

vikingmom 1 year, 5 months ago

RIP Office Rhyne...

geozap 1 year, 5 months ago

Just home from "See ya Later service" for Deputy Rhyne...

It was impressive, 100's of uniformed officers and military personnel along with 100's of friends and family.

The Lord Jesus was honored too, the gospel was preached, even a invitation to accept Christ... I liked what the preacher said, as for those who know Jesus as Lord and Savior we don't say goodby..we say "We'll see ya later" ... Great testimony

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13

See ya later brother

(Continue to pray for the family during this difficult time)

saturn5 1 year, 5 months ago

This is in response to poundman no you don't pay their wages your taxes do. Go ahead and stop paying and see how that goes. RIP Rick. My condolences to the family.

singlemomof2 1 year, 5 months ago

RIP in Officer Rhyne! So proud of our County for the love, respect and honor given to you today!! As for your comments, Poundman...your ignorance over such a highly publicized "event" is no excuse for your inability to get out of the way and you absolutely have no right to be upset with the men and women who put their life on the line for YOU. They were probably yelling and upset with you for your lack of respect for Officer Rhyne's procession! Everyone in this County has been affected by this tragic event. Shame on you for taking away from such an honorable cause. God bless you and your family Officer Rhyne and THANK YOU!!

Poundman 1 year, 5 months ago

Get over it folks, I am telling you these guys were rude as heck to me and the older lady. Maybe it was just one incident but it happened. And yes my taxes pay their wages so I do pay their salary, all tax payers do.

Poundman 1 year, 5 months ago

I apologize if my comments came off wrong; guess I was just venting in the way I was treated.Deepest sympathies go out to Officer Rhynes family. RIP

RonCoffmanJr 1 year, 5 months ago

Your comments came off wrong because it takes incredibly poor judgment to come to an article about the funeral of a police officer that was killed in the line of duty and criticize an officer who was trying to keep the road clear for his funeral procession. Like the rest of us, he isn't perfect every moment of his life. But I suspect you were in the wrong and were treated accordingly.

And of all the things a law enforcement officer needs to remember - us paying his wages is not one of them.

my3cents 1 year, 5 months ago

Had a "conversation" with a representative of Pinebluff a few years back. I heard a comment about how much the police salary, to her, was too much to pay them to "sit around eating donuts and driving around sitting all day. My comment to her was "Would you put your life on the line for $25-30,000 a year, because all it takes is one bullet and your life is over. I also related this to the military personnel who also sacrifice their lives daily, also for the FREEDOMS so many take for granted! RIP Officer Rhyne and a BIG thank you to all those serving and those who have served to protect the freedoms we have....for now!!!

slickwilly 1 year, 5 months ago

Well said Mr. Coffman! Poundman needs to really be pounded for what he said! I wish that there were more people on this blog that would put people in their place like you did. You are a stand up citizen. Rest in peace Deputy Rhyne!

peterprints 1 year, 5 months ago

I'm 67 and have seen a great many funeral processions in my life. Today, with my fellow employees, I walked out from where I work at Aberdeen Florist and Garden Center to watch Officer Rhyne's procession pass by on its way to the cemetary on Roseland Road. Beyond our connection to the officer for his service to us, we had also created several flower arrangements for his funeral. This is the bittersweet existence of a local florist. Standing there at the side of the highway in the cold wind as vehicle after vehicle passed by, I was in awe of the reverance shown to this fallen officer. Truly deserved...truly earned.

skylinefirepest 1 year, 5 months ago

That it was a cold day was somehow appropriate for Rick's final ride. I've been told that there were two hundred and eight five police cars in the procession. The counter on my camera showed just shy of ten minutes when I filmed at the ladder trucks supporting the flag. I had known Rick for about thirty years and I'm honored to say he was my friend.

jjsmom35 1 year, 5 months ago

As a wife of a Moore County Deputy, today was one of the hardest days of my life. But to see the outpouring of love and respect from the people of Moore County and beyond was such a wonderful thing to be a part of. I can only speak for myself, but I can assure you that every single law enforcement officer and their families appreciates the kind words and gestures expressed towards them today. What happened to Deputy Rhyne was a terrible tragedy, one that could befall any one of the brave men and women that strive to keep us all safe, every single day. They don't ask for much, just a little respect. I say thank you, to each and every one of you out there who prayed for Deputy Rhyne, his family and everyone in the law enforcement community. One last thing, to poundman: I agree that we all have a right to express our opinions, this is a free country that way,the men and women who blocked the roads today help ensure that freedom for you.They did that so their fellow officer can have the respect that was his due and were just doing their job. You should be ashamed of yourself for writing such garbage. Keep it to yourself, and the next time you are in a car wreck, someone tries to break into your home , or you have some other emergency where you need help...remember who you will call first and who will come no matter what.

jjsmom35 1 year, 5 months ago

You are correct wdd101st-the majority of the intersections were handled by local fire departments. There were also a handful of officers from Highway Patrol, Aberdeen Police Dept and Southern Pines Police Dept that handled traffic also. Regardless of who it was that poundman was referring to, police or fire, his comments were disrespectful at the very least. Again, thank you to everyone who has said a prayer for the law enforcement community during this difficult time.

Beentheredonethat 1 year, 5 months ago

I offer my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Deputy Rhyne, may he rest in eternal peace.

Thank you to all who gave respect and honor to Deputy Ryhne and his family during this time.

Thank you to all of our mean and women in service to the people of Moore county.

smarti 1 year, 5 months ago

I too, offer sympathy to the families involved in this tragedy. This time of year is especially difficult for this. The procession yesterday was quite impressive and anyone who saw it should have felt a tug at their heart and a tear in their eye, even if they didn't Deputy Rhyne. It made me proud to see law enforcement offices represented from around the state.

witness2 1 year, 5 months ago

One of the most honorable services for an officer killed in the line of duty I have ever attended. This reflects a great deal about the life and service of Deputy Rick Rhyne. He was the same great friendly individual each time you met him, a smiling face and positive things to share. May God keep his family is now our prayers. Those who were able to be present certainly know that Rick was well respected. Our prayers will continue to be for Rick's Family.

Poundman-The most inconsiderate person during this trying time. Very well said that when you need someone to help you who will be there no matter the lowly salary you pay them. Hopefully, you will see fit to provide a raise in light of this tragedy.

Toda 1 year, 5 months ago

One might take notice of our State Troopers in their dress uniforms who are walking beside the caisson and the mounted officers who all represent our state with a grand esteemed presence. We can be proud of those who serve with dignity and respect the citizens of North Carolina. A wonderful ending to a life cut short. Ricky had a passion for horses as well. He would have been so proud to be a part of the ceremony recognizing his contributions to friends and neighbors. He will be missed....

bustedfriend 1 year, 5 months ago

Officer Rhyne will be missed...I pray that God who is Peace may bring peace to his family.It is just humbling to see that an Officer so respected and so important did not allow pride to take over his heart.He lived his life as a wittiness of his Savior, and once again the Lord was honored when brother Rhyne was laid to rest.I can only imagine how heaven is now. Brother Rhyne WILL be celebrating Jesus birth day in heaven with the angels....RIP brother Rhyne.

ricksarno 1 year, 5 months ago

To jjsmom35 - well said

Comments No Longer Accepted