JW Rhyne III

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, JW Rhyne III, 56, left his earthly body and entered Heaven’s gates, surrounded by the love and prayers of those who were present in person and those who were with him in spirit.

JW was born on August 18, 1970, in Killeen, Texas, to J.W. Rhyne Jr. and Rebecca Dayton. He was raised in Angleton, Texas, by his father and the mother who raised him, Judy Rhyne, with the love, guidance, and support of his grandparents, J.W. Rhyne Sr. and Mona Ray Rhyne. Together the family gave JW a solid foundation rooted in Christ.

The best day of JW’s life was the day he became a dad. He and Toni Dozier welcomed their son into the world in August 1995, just two days after his birthday—a birthday present that could never be topped.

On February 9, 2002, the second best day ever, JW married Staci Rhyne. Together, they built a loving home for their blended family: Taylor James Rhyne, Leah Elizabeth Debertolis (Michael), Alexander Blake Walshak (Kayla), and, later, their bonus son, Jeremy William Pena (Elise).

JW carried a true servant’s heart throughout his life. He devoted 15 years to volunteering with the Angleton Area Emergency Medical Corps (AAEMC), where he found purpose in helping others. After discovering his love of motorcycles, he continued that service through Bikers Against Child Abuse and the Fallen Motorcycle Ministry.

That same spirit of service shaped JW’s life at Life Foursquare Church, where he and Staci were members for the past 14 years. He served on the media team and facilitated the GriefShare ministry for more than 10 of those years. To JW serving his church family was another way to care for others and further God’s kingdom.

JW also found great joy in bringing happiness to children. For the past eight years, he embraced one of his favorite roles: Santa Claus. He portrayed Santa at events for AAEMC, AFD, Life Church, and the hospital, taking special delight in making Christmas memorable. Whenever he sensed even the slightest doubt, he would happily tell children, “Pull the beard—it’s real!” Bringing smiles to their faces was a gift he treasured.

His professional life began in emergency medical services, where he worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s EMS system for 12 years. As computer technology advanced, JW discovered that his remarkable attention to detail could lead to a new career. He spent the next 22 years working in IT for Pilot Catastrophe Services, developing database programs that helped streamline claims processing for people affected by catastrophes such as hurricanes and earthquakes. Through this work, he helped make difficult circumstances a little easier for those facing the aftermath of disaster.

JW was preceded in death by his grandparents, JW Rhyne Sr. and Mona Ray Rhyne; his uncles, Stephen and Ricky; and his mother, Judy Rhyne.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and service that will be cherished by his beloved wife of 24 years, Staci; their children, Leah, Alex, Taylor, and Jeremy; his precious grandchildren, Audrey, Dominic, Vincent, Leah, Nalani, and Kayli; his father, JW Rhyne Jr. (Trish) and mother in law Denise Guyote. He is also survived by his siblings, Mike Andrews, Devin Andrews, Janique Plyler, and Shawn Rhyne, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who became family along the way.

Final arrangements have been entrusted to Palms Funeral Home in Angleton, Texas.

Family visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, with visitation open to all friends and family from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, at Life Foursquare Church, located at 501 Karankawa in Angleton, Texas. A procession to Angleton Cemetery will follow the service.

Pallbearers will be Taylor Rhyne, Alex Walshak, Michael Debertolis, Jeremy Pena, Camdyn Mays, and Wesley Rolan.

Honorary pallbearers will be Darryl Terry, Dee Thomas, Daniel Sherman, and J.W.’s EMS family from the Angleton Area Emergency Medical Corps.

JW’s life was defined by service, faith, love, and joy. Whether answering the call to help someone in need, serving his church family, supporting children through his motorcycle ministry, or making Christmas magical as Santa, he gave of himself freely. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the lives he touched, and the countless memories that will continue to bring smiles through tears.

Though JW has left this earthly home, we take comfort in knowing that, through his faith in Jesus Christ, he has been welcomed into Heaven. Christ’s sacrifice paid the price for his salvation. The love he gave, the faith he carried, and the hope he found in Christ will remain with all who knew and loved him. Until we meet again.