Norris Rhinehart

 Norris Channing Rhinehart, beloved husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and precious friend. Born on October 25, 1926, to John Quincy Rhinehart and Elmar Burke Rhinehart of Waterbury ,CT he was third born within a family of eight siblings. Norris went on to be with the Lord peacefully without sickness or pain just before sunrise on June 3, 2024. 

Norris graduated from Crosby High School in 1945. He was a valued member of the track team holding tight to the 440-yard dash record as well as playing the violin in the band and orchestra. Post graduation he enlisted in the Army Air Corp in July of 1945 serving as a cook in the US Army upon the dissolve of the Army Air Corp. Norris served until December 1946 in a segregated military feeding many hungry men and fortifying our troops. Upon honorable discharge he began his university studies at Howard University in Washington DC in pursuit of a bachelor's degree in business. Norris greatly enjoyed his studies and time in our nation's capital, especially his research at the Library of Congress, satisfying his thirst for knowledge through reading, which was a lifetime endeavor. 

Throughout his life, Norris accomplished many incredible feats. He retired from the United States Postal Service after 42 years of service. He was an ordained minister with Grace Chapel, Church of the Living God of CT. While attending Church of the Rock in St. Albans, VT, he and his wife Virginia established a prison ministry at Northwest Correctional Facility Swanton, VT which exists to this day as a support to inmates. During his many years to and from NC, he participated as a contributing minister to Pilgram's Rest Missionary Baptist Church in NC. He became a confirmed member of St. Ann Roman Catholic Church of Milton, VT on April 3, 2021 adding Catholicism to his broad and diverse discipline of faith practice. Truly the words of Jesus can be shared of him, "Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind and with all thy strength...and love thy neighbor as thyself, there is no greater commandment." Mark 12:30-31. Norris strived for excellence in everything he did. By far his proudest moment in life involved becoming a father and having a growing family.  

Norris C. Rhinehart is predeceased by his loving wife of 19 years Virginia Lee Rhinehart (1990), his sisters Mary Etta Rhinehart, Doris A. Hester, brothers John E. Rhinehart, Arthur P. Rhinehart, Sheldon M. Rhinehart, Charles A. Rhinehart, Robert Q. Rhinehart.

Norris C. Rhinehart is survived by his children Mary Thompson (Jeff), Rebekah Bose (Andy), Joy Rhinehart Brown (Lamar), Glory Perdue (Kenny), Norris Christian Rhinehart (Danielle), Phillip Rhinehart (Amanda), Jaime King (Brandon) and Jodi Russell.  Three sisters-in-law Carolyn Rhinehart, Donna Rhinehart, Minnie Rhinehart.  Twenty-two grandchildren and twenty-two  great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and too many friends counted as family to name.

Norris C. Rhinehart walked with tremendous faith and confidence in God's divine providence. He applied these attributes to everyday acts of kindness and servitude. He touched the lives of many with his unwavering help to those in need and by befriending everyone he met. His personality and compassionate nature will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.  As we mourn the loss of Norris, let us also celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind. His spirit of generosity and his commitment to spreading love and compassion will continue to inspire us all. May Norris Channing Rhinehart rest in peace knowing that he made a profound impact on the lives of so many.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 13 5PM-7PM, in the Minor Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Milton,  and on Saturday, June 15, 2024 beginning at 9:30 AM Cornerstone Community Church, 26 Bombardier Rd, Milton, with the funeral service beginning at 11 AM.