Robert E. Rhinehart's Obituary
Robert E. Rhinehart, 78, of Piedmont, Alabama, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, at Riverview Medical Center.
Born on June 7, 1947, in Piedmont, Alabama, Robert was the son of Reese and Myrtle Rhinehart. A 1965 graduate of Piedmont High School, he went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army. Throughout his life, Robert remained deeply committed to his community, his church, and his family.
Robert was a dedicated civic leader, serving as President of the Jaycees and holding several other offices. His passion for service extended to his church life, where he taught Sunday School and played an active role in the restoration of Piedmont First United Methodist Church during the 1990s. In recent years, he was a faithful member of Carmel Church.
An avid runner and bicyclist, Robert helped establish the Rails to Trails initiative that led to the creation of the Chief Ladiga Trail - a lasting legacy that continues to benefit countless outdoor enthusiasts. He spent 21 years living in Florida, where his warmth and personality earned him the affectionate title of the “unofficial Mayor of Lee Place.”
In 2021, Robert returned to Spring Garden, where he became a cherished member of the Spring Garden Store Front Porch “Bench of Knowledge.” He found joy in life’s simple pleasures - a good bourbon and cigar, lively conversation, and watching the sunset from his front porch.
Above all, Robert was a devoted husband and family man. He met the love of his life, Marcia, while they were in high school. This June 10th, they would have celebrated 60 years of marriage - a testament to a lifetime of love, partnership, and unwavering commitment.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Marcia Rhinehart of Spring Garden, Alabama; his daughter, Gina Minton (Randy) of Piedmont, Alabama; his grandson, Connor Minton (Amber) of Cheyenne, Wyoming; and his great-grandson, Oliver Minton of Cheyenne, Wyoming. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Kim Freeman, several nieces, many cousins, and countless friends whose lives he touched.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Reese and Myrtle Rhinehart, and his in-laws, Cullen and Lucille Freeman.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Piedmont First United Methodist Church, followed by a Celebration of Life service beginning at 2:00 p.m.
The family will accept flowers, as well as donations to Venecia’s Foundation, P.O. Box 572, Piedmont, AL.
Robert will be remembered for his servant’s heart, steady leadership, quick wit, and the deep love he had for his family, his faith, and his community. His legacy will live on in the trails he helped build, the church he helped restore, and the many lives he enriched along the way.
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