"Dewey" Gary Clifford Rhinehart, Jr.

 “Dewey" Gary Clifford Rhinehart Jr., 60, of Fort Mill, SC, passed away unexpectedly on June 22, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and selfless service. Born on May 10, 1965, in Harrisburg, PA, Dewey was known to all for his quick wit, generous heart, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.

Dewey is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Katharine “Kate” Fuller Rhinehart, and their two beloved sons, Brooks and Brandon. He also leaves behind his faithful four-legged companions, Barkley (“Baby Puppy”) and Bentley (“Little Dude”), who were his constant companions and daily work buddies.

A proud graduate of Lycoming College, Dewey earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business in 1983 and played football for the Lycoming Warriors. He worked as a Supply Chain Manager for TE Connectivity (formerly AMP) for an incredible 38 years.

Dewey’s greatest joy came from giving back. He began volunteering with the Steele Creek Athletic Association as a Pop Warner Football coach even before becoming a father. He went on to coach t-ball and baseball and served as President of the Association for five years. His passion for youth athletics continued through dedicated service with the Gold Hill Middle School Booster Club, Fort Mill High School Booster Club, and the Gridiron Club.

A proud Mason and lifelong Pennsylvanian at heart, Dewey loved all things PA—especially the Penn State Nittany Lions, Tasty Kake, Yuengling, Middlesworth Potato Chips, Grandma Utz Potato Chips, JoJo’s Pizza, and Snyder’s Pretzels. He delighted in sharing his hometown favorites with others.

In 2022, Dewey selflessly followed Kate across the country to Carson City, Nevada, where he fell in love with the beauty of Lake Tahoe and became the best tour guide for every visitor. The couple returned to Fort Mill in January 2025.

Dewey was preceded in death by his father, Gary Clifford Rhinehart. He is survived by his mother, Jean Brooks Rhinehart, and his in-laws, Steve and Nancy Fuller of Salisbury, NC. Also surviving are his sisters, Tammy Strayer and Kristin Lenker (Troy), both of Mechanicsburg, PA; his sister-in-law, Carol Anne Earnhardt (Chuck) of Greensboro, NC; five nephews; one niece; and a host of lifelong friends who cherished his humor, loyalty, and kindness.

He left this world far too soon and will be missed beyond words by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of Dewey’s life is being planned, with details to be shared once finalized.

Palmetto Funeral Home of Fort Mill is assisting the family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

• Steele Creek Athletic Association Contact: Jen Kelly, Treasurer – treasurer@scaasports.org Donate via PayPal: Steele Creek Paypal In Memory of Dewey
• Fort Mill High School Athletic Booster Club Checks made payable to FMHS-ABC Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2061, Fort Mill, SC 29716