Joe Terry Rye

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Joe Terry Rye took his last breath on earth on June 12, 2020. We take comfort in knowing he is now free of suffering, safely home in the arms of his Savior. Joe was a survivor and fought to the end to live his best life. It was never in his nature to give up.

Joe was born to loving parents at home on the family farm in the beautiful state of Mississippi on July 24, 1938. His was a childhood of very modest means and hard work. His mother was a high school math teacher, unusual for the times who instilled a love of learning in Joe’s spirit. His “daddy,” as he called him affectionately, was a dairy and crop farmer. Joe was an important part of the family business milking cows and picking cotton in his “spare” time.

Joe earned a business degree in Commerce from Ole’ Miss, having completed his studies in 3 years. He accomplished much in his life facing every challenge head-on. He had a brilliant mind and a giving heart. He was a man who excelled in just about everything he chose to explore by hard work, determination, curiosity, insight and the grace of his Lord. But his hallmark accomplishment was his personal character. He had a strong, unwavering moral compass and simply did what was right to the best of his abilities especially when it involved a difficult journey. He did so no matter the cost—emotional, physical or financial. He was a loving caregiver for his beloved wife Gerry, whom at age 59, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. Gerry lived for fifteen years and Joe faithfully devoted himself to her care. He also provided care for his younger brother, Morris Lynn when he was treated at M.D. Anderson in Houston as he lost his battle with cancer at the early age of 61.

Joe was a lifelong Baptist and loved to sit under the anointed preaching of his pastor, Danny Forshee whose sermons deeply touched his spirit. He was a member of Great Hills Baptist Church, Austin, TX.

He and Gerry spent most of their marriage in the Houston area. Joe was a successful businessman primarily in the chemical industry serving in both CEO and CFO roles. He was also a past president of the Houston Chapter of CPAs.

For over fifteen years, he spent as much time as possible at the family summer home in Alto, New Mexico where he loved the breath-taking scenery, mild climate, wildlife and good food. It brought him joy as did his new found New Mexico friends and neighbors.

Joe leaves behind both family and dear friends whose lives he made better by his presence and his gifts of keen advice and help.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Ophie (Rutledge) Rye, younger brother, Morris Lynn Rye and his older stillborn sister. Joe leaves behind both family and friends to cherish his memory. Three sons and their families: Greg Rye (Tara,) Darren (Kathy,) and Jon (Jodie). He deeply loved his seven grandchildren Mikayla, Grant, Davis, Danielle, Jaden, Jackson and Jaylee. Joe later married Kris (Powell) Rye. It is to Kris' credit that Joe lived as long and as comfortably as he did. She survives. Other survivors include: father-in-law, Crosby Powell, sister-in-law, Lynn Rye, and nephews, Anthony Michael, and Daniel Morris. He is also survived by his favorite Aunt “Baby” Ruth; cousins: Joan Lansdell (Sid), and Beverly Blaylock (Steve), and other relatives who still reside in Mississippi, a state Joe and Kris loved to visit; their gracious Southern hospitality left lasting, warm memories with each visit. Gene and Marvel Finch, dear friends and surrogate family survive.

We will celebrate Joe’s life in The Memorial Chapel of Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, on Monday, June 15, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. which is one hour prior to the service conducted by Pastor Danny Forshee.

Interment will follow the celebration of Joe’s life at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.

The family requests that contributions in Joe’s memory be made to Great Hills Baptist Church, 10500 Jollyville Road, Austin, TX 78759.