William "Bill" Rhyne Deitz

William (Bill) Rhyne Deitz 91, loving and much loved father and grandfather of Hickory, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2019 surrounded by his family at Trinity Village in Hickory. Born February 25, 1928, he was the son of the late William Preston Deitz and Helen Rhyne Deitz Knaack. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 44 years, Clarice C. Deitz, and only sister, Helen Rhyne Deitz Moore of Asheville, NC.

Bill was the owner of Deitz & Taylor Jewelers. His father, William P. Deitz learned watchmaking while working at Bisanar Co. Jewelers in the early 1920’s. Later in 1929 he and Doug Taylor opened Deitz & Taylor Jewelers on Union Square. In 1939 William bought out Mr. Taylor and became the sole proprietor until his death in 1964. Bill, who had worked with his father and learned watchmaking, continued the business for another 50 years until his retirement in 2012. The store closed its doors at that time when it was sold to Tim Cline, owner of Bisanar Co. Jewelers. Dad said, “Things have now come full circle.”

Bill graduated from Hickory High School in 1945. He attended Lenoir-Rhyne College--(University) while working part-time at Deitz & Taylor. There he met Clarice when she was hired as a summer clerk. After they married in 1949, she became his partner in operating the store and worked by his side until her death in 1993. The success of Deitz & Taylor came not only from Bill’s expertise ability in watchmaking, but also from him in making everyone feel special. He always had time to listen and talk to his customers.

He was a member of The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc. since 1968, The American Watchmakers Institute, The GIA--Gemological Institute of America, American Gem Society, The Kiwanis Club and long-time member of Corinth Reformed Church.

He is survived by two daughters, Helen Deitz Catt of the home, Cynthia Deitz Weaver (Ron) Nashville, TN, and son William Rhyne Deitz, Jr. (Joan) Hickory; four grandchildren, Cynthia Catt Howell (Todd), Raleigh, Lori Catt Hostetler (Chris), Raleigh, Ashley Hutton Stringfellow (Edward) Brentwood, TN, George Normal Hutton, V (Sue) Columbia, TN, and seven great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Alexander Howell, Nathan and Emily Hostetler, Anna Claire and Hutton Stringfellow and Eastlyn Hutton.

The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers of Trinity Village for all their overwhelming love, support, devoted care and kindness, giving our Father a better quality of life during his last years. Our family will always be grateful for each of you.

A graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery on Saturday, April 13th at 11:00am with The Reverend Bob Thompson and The Reverend Lori Blocker of Corinth Reformed Church officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Baptist Children’s Home of NC, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-9911 Attn: Michael C. Blackwell or to Trinity Village, 1265 21st St. NE, Hickory, NC 28601.

Hickory Funeral Home is serving the family of William Rhyne Deitz.