September 11, 1947 - July 15, 2023
Roger Reed Rhines, 75, of Bradenton left his earthly body to be with his God on July 15, 2023.
He was born to parents Bernard J. and Fern A. Rhines on September 11, 1947, in Charlotte, Michigan. Roger married the love of his life, Maryann (Kenworthy-Wooten) in 1992.
Roger was active in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Life Scout.
Roger enlisted in the United States Army in 1970 and was stationed at Cam Ranh, Vietnam until November 1971. It was there that Roger was subjected to Agent Orange, leading to the decline of his health and eventual death.
One of his fondest memories was being invited to the "Reading of Names" in 2007 and 2017 at the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C. He was a proud member of the American Legion, the VFW, and the Disabled Veterans here in Bradenton. He was a dual member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Bradenton #1223 and Charlotte, Michigan #2121. He was raised to the Fellowship degree.
Roger was a highly regarded soccer referee and attained the USSF Referee Emeritus. He refereed both youth and adult amateur matches. He served as District Commissioner and was an accredited Assigner through FYSA. Roger was a FHSAA referee for 20 years, an Assigner for high school matches and worked many state "Final Four" games. He was past president of the Manasota Soccer Referee Association.
Roger is survived by his wife, Maryann, his children Jodi (Joe) Ward, Tari (Bill) Connell, Jason Paul (Kari) Rhines and Cassi (Robbie) Phillips, stepchildren Samuel R. (Lyndsey) Wooten and Leslie (Benjamin) Doepher. Also surviving are 18 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews. His surviving siblings are Roxanne Rhines, Patricia Commons and Thomas (Stephanie) Rhines. He is predeceased by sister Jacqueline Lorraine Adams and brother Bernard D. Rhines.
Roger also leaves behind his service dog, YaYa, to cherish the memory of their adventures the two of them had.
A celebration of life will be Sunday, September 10 at the Sarasota Football Club located at 5227 Richardson Road, Sarasota, FL from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
An inurnment service will take place at the Sarasota National Cemetery located at 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL on Monday, September 11 at 1 p.m.
Memorial donations can be made to the Fisher House at Bay Pines, P.O. Box 5005 (00FH), Bay Pines, Florida, 33744. (www.fisherhouse.org)
