of Western Grove, AR
April 8, 1947 - January 10, 2025
Robert James Rinie, age 77, of Western Grove, Arkansas passed from this earthly life on Friday, January 10th, 2025 at Hospice of the Hills in Harrison, Arkansas. He was born in Hidalgo County, Texas on April 8th, 1947 to Anthony Joseph Rinie and Floral Lorane Gray Rinie. Robert married Regina Patton in 1967.
Robert was a Christian and attended the Assembly of God Church in Leslie. He served in the United States Army and the United States Army Reserve from 1967 until 1990. He was an active participant in ROTC during his college years. Robert graduated from Havana High School and went on to attend the University of Arkansas where he obtained a Bachelor's Degree and then a Master's Degree in Geology. Robert worked as a high school science teacher at Western Grove High School until his retirement in 2006. He had a love for rocks and minerals and spent many hours researching and labeling his finds. Robert enjoyed sharing his love for rock hounding with his grandchildren and students.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Regina Rinie of the home; his daughters, Angie Baysinger and husband, Tim of Harriet and Michele Heidenreich and husband, Fritz of Morrilton; grandchildren, Brandon Russell of Morrilton, Ethan Russell of Morrilton, Sarah Baysinger of Harriet and Jonathon Baysinger and wife, Megan of Harriet; one great-grandchild, Jensen Baysinger; sister, Betty Martin and husband, Jerry of Springdale and many extended family and friends who will also mourn his passing.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Floral Rinie and one brother, Billy Joe Rinie.
Funeral services for Robert will be 1:00 PM Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 at Leslie Assembly of God Church with Bro. Cairl Baysinger and Bro. James Ray officiating. Burial will be in Rock Creek Cemetery in Harriet. Bearers will be Brandon Russell, Ethan Russell, Jonathon Baysinger, Tim Baysinger, Mark Baysinger and James Ray. Honorary bearer will be Sarah Baysinger. At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Hills, 501 East Sherman Ave., Harrison, AR 72601.
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14 Condolence(s)
Glenn Wheeler
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
What a great teacher and man he was. He was a good influence in my life when I needed as many of those as I could get.
Shawna Burns
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear about Mr. Rinie.
I will never forget being late for his class once so I slipped in the door (while his back was turned and he was marking on the board). Instead of gliding into my seat, I slid and my seat literally fell on top of me. I was so embarrassed and just knew when he turned around that I was going to be in so much trouble. Instead he smiled and made a funny comment, then patiently waited for me to turn my chair right side up and pick myself off the floor. His comment and calm demeanor made me forget about my humiliation for a minute.
I also actually enjoyed my chemistry class because of him; as scared as I was to take it that year, he helped it make sense to me.
Big hugs and prayers for you all
Buck and Jane Martin
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family, Regina. Praying for all of you.
Keith Wheeler
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
I always loved to get him started talking in class about rocks or his time in the military, he had a lot of good stories to tell. He was a good teacher and a good man and lived an interesting life. He left a positive impression on a lot of kids at Grove. Prayers and thoughts for his family.
Rick and Janice Horton
Monday, January 13, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss, Angie and Tim. Our sincerest condolences and prayers for peace are with you as you go through this very difficult time.
Kurtsy L Spivey
Monday, January 13, 2025
Thinking of all of you. Prayers!
Sally
Monday, January 13, 2025
So sorry for the loss of your Dad Angie Love and prayers for all the family
Christy Norton
Monday, January 13, 2025
Robert was such a good man. I worked with him for lots of years and enjoyed it. He could always make you laugh. My thought and prayers are with Regina, his children and grandchildren.
Nina Baysinger
Monday, January 13, 2025
So very sorry for you loss
James and Leada Horton
Monday, January 13, 2025
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our love and prayers for all the family.
Debra Clemons
Sunday, January 12, 2025
My thoughts and prayers will be with your family through this difficult time. We will pray that God will give you peace and comfort throughout this.
Lynn Blevins
Sunday, January 12, 2025
Oh my! Where to begin Robert was a good, good man! Sometimes he drove me nuts in the school office, but most of the time he cracked me up! I could always count on Robert to be there if I needed anything from a teacher. He will be missed! My love and prayers are with Regina and the family! Robert was a dandy and made a big mark in this world!
Carolyn Robinson
Saturday, January 11, 2025
My heart felt condolences to you all. He was a good man and he had a huge impact on my life. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in my self. May God grant you peace and comfort.
James Wilson family
Saturday, January 11, 2025
We are lifting you all in prayers that our Lord will carry through the days to come.