Mary Burcham Rhyne

Mrs. Mary Burcham Rhyne, 88, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. She was born in Yadkin County on September 18, 1937 to Houston Burcham and Nancy Holcomb Burcham. Mary was an Air Force wife for 24 years. She and her husband, Jimmy, lived in many different parts of the world during his time in the service. Her favorite places that they lived during this time were Spain and Hawaii. While in Spain, Mary worked for the Red Cross and was a “Gray Lady”. She was part of the Airman’s Wives’ Club and she enjoyed playing softball in her free time. After returning to the United States, Mary got her cosmetology license and enjoyed doing hair. In 1992 Mary and Jimmy began, what would soon become, one of their greatest joys in life – camping. They were part of two camping clubs, Family Campers and RVers and Carolina Lantern Lighters, where Mary and Jimmy both served as officers. They traveled as far north as Michigan, and to most of the southeastern states with many of their dear friends from both clubs. They made many fond memories during their years of camping. Mary was well loved and will be deeply missed. She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Jimmy G. Rhyne; children, Gene (Cindy) Rhyne and Lynne (Robbie) Brown; and grandchildren, Nick (Amber) Rhyne and Jessica Brown. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Jack Burcham and Baby Burcham; and sisters, Nonnie Casstevens and Magdalene Hampton. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Jonesville. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Gentry Family Chapel. Burial will follow at Sunrise Cemetery in Jonesville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carobell, Inc. Donations can be made online at www.carobell.org, or mailed to 198 Cinnamon Drive, Jacksonville, NC 28539. The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Chatham Nursing and Rehabilitation for the loving care and compassion given to Mary and their family. Gentry Family Funeral Service of Jonesville is serving the Rhyne family.