James Edward Rhinehart

James Edward “Ed” Rhinehart, age 80, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. A public memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC 29229. Pastor Mike Ditton is officiating. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Bozovsky Rhinehart; his parents, Willie and Aaron Rhinehart; his stepfather, Adron Rhinehart; his brothers, Aaron “Sonny” Rhinehart and Jerry Rhinehart; and his sisters, Carolyn Yarnell, Cathy Johnson, Mary Stevens, and Loretta Cordial.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela Jones Rhinehart; his brother, Leslie (LeAnn) Rhinehart; his sons, Jim (Karen) Rhinehart and Steve Rhinehart; his daughter, Sheila Cooper; seven grandchildren, Nathanael (Brittany) Rhinehart, Caleb Rhinehart, Hope (Chris) Wimmer, Aaron Rhinehart, Rodney Rhinehart, Stacie Cooper, and Sarah Cooper; and eight great-grandchildren.

At the age of 17, Ed enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served on the front lines in the jungles of Vietnam and later trained new Marines in combat guerrilla warfare at the United States Marine Corps Guerrilla Warfare Training Center at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Ed entered the commercial printing industry, where he was trained by his father-in-law, Edward Bozovsky. He excelled as a craftsman and earned national recognition for the quality of his work throughout his career.

Late in life, Ed professed faith in Jesus Christ. His faith was truly transformational. Having become a new creation in Christ, Ed looked forward to the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise in Revelation 21:5: “Behold, I am making all things new.” Though his path through life was demanding and, at times, deeply difficult – for himself and for those around him – his newfound faith in Jesus gave him hope and brought him joy. His latter years clearly displayed the power and grace of Jesus Christ. He loved and served his church family for many years at Rough Creek Baptist Church in Cecilia, Kentucky. Christ’s work in Ed was so profound that he became distinguished in his community as a kind, gentle, gracious, and loving man. Ed held firmly to his faith in Jesus until his last breath.

Ed is now in the unveiled presence of Jesus Christ. He is made perfect with unspeakable joy, reunited with loved ones who put their trust in Jesus. “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” (Psalm 116:15)

Rest in peace, Ed.

The family is grateful to our extended family and to many friends who loved us and took this journey with us. You bless us in so many ways. We love you deeply.

The family expresses our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of NHC Parklane in Columbia, South Carolina. You took such great care of Ed, and we watched you demonstrate genuine love for him throughout the final year of his journey. We are deeply grateful to each of you. To the entire 100 Hall staff – thank you for your patience, sacrifices, compassion, and professionalism. We trusted you with his care. Your loving service for Ed was genuinely distinctive and real. We love you for it.

Vivian B – we are so incredibly grateful for you. We love your heart, and we are thankful for the time, care, and many long nights you invested in Ed. You were such a tremendous help to our family. Thank you for your compassion.

The family also extends our sincere gratitude to Abbey Road Hospice in Columbia, South Carolina. You helped us navigate Ed’s courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Your nursing and social work staff walked alongside our family through a profound season of ambiguity and grief. We are grateful for the love, compassion, and care you showed Ed and our family throughout that journey.

Many thanks also to the staff of Southlake Village and Oakleaf Village of Lexington. You each became part of Ed’s journey, and he was blessed by your care and by your communities.

We are also grateful to Dunbar Funeral Home. You have been a great friend to our family, and your guidance and care throughout this final stage of planning have been exceptional. Thank you.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of South Carolina.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.