Willie Rinche

Willie Rinche passed away in his sleep surrounded by family at his home in Rockport, TX on February 17, 2021. Willie's Rockport roots ran deep! He was
born February 16, 1953 at Dr. Wood's office in downtown Rockport to Jose Rinche and Mamie.

Benavides Rinche and raised with nine siblings. As a youth, he worked from 4 am to 7 am on a shrimp boat from Flemings Bait Stand before heading to
school. A naturally gifted athlete, he excelled in basketball and tennis at Rockport-Fuhon High School, graduating in 1971 and attended Texas
A&l University in Kingsville on scholarships for both sports. Willie's tennis skills were fostered by a free tennis program for kids sponsored by
Fred Whittle in the 60s. Years later, Whittle had tournament named in his honor which Willie won an unprecedented seven times. Willie shared his love of the game while employed as the teaching pro at the Key Allegro Tennis Club from 1974-1979. There he organized leagues, played in local tournaments and even participated in exhibition matches with tennis
celebrities such as John Newcombe, Tony Roach and Graham Mosely. In addition, Willie had a forty plus year career as a communications technician for Southwestern Bell and AT&T, providing a valuable service to the citizens of Aransas, San Patricio and Nueces counties.

Known to many for his off-the-wall sense of humor, he loved making people laugh. There were lots of Willie-isms and a favorite was "Where there's a Willie,
there's a way!" He was friendly, thoughtful and caring to his neighbors and close friends and his home was always open to his family.

He is survived by his children: Shawna Rinche, Maximilian Rinche, Marisa Rinche; grandchildren: Brandon and Kendal Fegley; brother, Robert Rinche
(Gloria) and sisters: Guadalupe Higby and Mimi Altizer (Ben), sister-in-law, Aurora Tristan; uncle. Fred Rinche (Mary); former spouses: Barbara Tibbett, Carla
Krueger Rinche and numerous nieces and nephews.

Willie is preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Maria Benavides. Rosa Gonzales. Dominga Rinche Tijerina, Jo Ann Rinche Valdez; brothers: Juan Tristan
and Edward Rinche; maternal and parental grandparents.

A Visitation will be held on February 27, 2021 at 11 am until 2 pm and services starting at 2 pm until 2:45 with Pastor Teena Houston
at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home in Rockport. Burial will follow at 3 pm at the Aransas Memorial Park. A celebration will be held following at the Rinche Ranch,
341 Club Lake Dr., Rockport.

Flowers may be sent to Charlie Marshall Funeral Home or a memorial in his name may be made to the Humane Society & Adoption Center of Rockport-Fulton, P.O. Box 1502, Fulton, TX 78358