Ellis H. Rinehart

Smithville – Ellis H. Rinehart, 78, passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at Merit Health Gilmore Memorial. Born on September 9, 1937, in Rienzi, MS, he was a son of the late Roy Sylvester and Roxie Standford Rinehart.

Ellis attended Nettleton High School where he played football and basketball. In 1956, he married Shelby Jean Stanford and together they were blessed with four children. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard as a cook, then a mechanic. He retired as a Staff Sergeant. He went into active duty after Hurricane Camille and served in Desert Storm. Ellis was in the National Guard for over 35 years where he really enjoyed training and being a role model for the younger National Guard members. Ellis worked as a Presser at Wilson and Longnecker Manufacturing Companies. Later he worked at True Temper as a pipe fitter and a carpenter. He was a dedicated employee, retiring after thirty plus years.

His family would tell you he was a “cool dude” who always made time for his family. He was loving man and a Christian. Ellis was an outdoorsman who loved bird hunting, hunting, and fishing. A running buddy with his children, he loved playing pitch with his kids. Ellis liked to listen to country music. He enjoyed cooking and gardening. Living life to the fullest, he loved to spend time with his family, watching sports, and working on vehicles. One of his main priorities in life was helping others. He was also a former Cub Scout Master.

Survivors include his daughter, Sarah Rinehart, Smithville; sons, Elder Wendell Rinehart, Columbus, Mark Rinehart, Amory, Roy Rinehart (Trish), Hatley; grandchildren, Toby Rinehart (LeaAnna), Janet Rinehart, Lacy Rinehart, Ellis Roy Rinehart (Dolly); great-grandchildren, Makenzie Rinehart, MaKayla Rinehart, Connor Allen; sister, Tennie Bell Knight, Smithville; brother, Allen Rinehart (Nell), Canton, TX; special friend, Connie Howard, Nettleton.

In addition to his parents and wife of 56 years, Shelby Rinehart, he was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Ellis Cain Rinehart; brother-in-law, Russell Knight.

His Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM, Friday, May 6, 2016, at Smithville Chapel of E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with Elder Wendell Rinehart and Pastor Al Lathan officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in James Creek Cemetery, Tremont. Pallbearers will be Cory Kinsey, Tim Cheney, Wayne West, Randy Hathcock, and Eric Jones. Honorary Pallbearers will be Rusty Guyton, Toby Rinehart, and Roy Rinehart.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Thursday, at the Smithville Chapel of E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Smithville, MS.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.