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GATES, NC – Thomas Edward Rinehart, 71, of 10 Brierfield Lane, Gates, died Saturday, May 7, 2022 in his home with his wife by his side.

Tom was born at Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Washington County, Rhode Island, on April 20, 1951, and was the son of the late Tom Bradley and Justine Samokar Rinehart. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Corinne Evans.

A retired Labor Relations Specialist with the Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA, he had served in the Navy for four years and with a renewed interest in both his and his father’s military service had researched his family history through his membership in the Sons of the Confederate Veterans. He was a member of Reynoldson Baptist Church where he had served as a deacon. Tom loved helping others, and found great joy in fixing things for his neighbors or cutting their grass. His compassion spread also to the four legged species, as he rescued many dogs that became his faithful canine companions.

Surviving is his wife of nearly 31 years, Sue Taylor Rinehart; his daughter, Adriane Diane Rinehart of Norfolk, VA; and two brothers, Richard Rinehart of Asheville and Ronald Rinehart of Tullahoma, TN. Also surviving are twin grandsons from Sue’s deceased daughter Terri Wolfe, Brent Wolfe (wife, Kristen) and Brian Wolfe (wife, Lindsey), and a great-grandson, Elliott Wolfe. Those families live in Ohio.

In accordance with his wishes, no service is being held.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Tri-County Animal Shelter, 138 Icaria Road, Tyner, NC 27980, or to any animal rescue shelter.

Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.