Willie James Rhynes

Willie James “Big Will” Rhynes, 89 of Charlotte, North Carolina transitioned peacefully on April 30, 2024 at Presbyterian Harris Hospice after being loved on by family and friends from far and near. Will was born to Lola & Will Rhynes on March 15, 1935 where the family lived on Alexander Street in the First Ward neighborhood. Later the family moved to Southside, in Historic Brooklyn, and then to the Double Oaks Neighborhood. Will’s immediate family included his mother and father, elder sister Bessie, elder brother George and younger brother L.W. After marrying Margaret Miller in 1961 and welcoming son, Michael a few years later, Will lived in University Park and then Hidden Valley Estates. Will attended Alexander Street School and the Historic 2nd Ward High School (the first high school for African Americans in Charlotte). After leaving school, Will worked with his youngest brother briefly at Speas Vinegar Plant in Charlotte, but decided soon after beginning work, that he wanted to work for himself rather than someone else. Will, managed the The Delacardos , a DOO-Wop Group from Charlotte and told many stories of his travels and adventures while managing them. His early sixties entertainment career afforded him the opportunity to meet James Brown, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes and Otis Redding. His close friendship with Otis Redding included writing songs, recording music and traveling. Will was scheduled to fly with Otis Redding during his tragic plane crash on December 10, 1967 in Madison, Wisconsin and many believed that the unidentified passenger was Will. Will was actually traveling in Brazil, South America when the plane crashed, but was scheduled to be on the flight with Otis. In the sixties and seventies, Will owned many successful businesses within the Oaklawn, LaSalle, Beatties Ford Road & Statesville Avenue Corridor. These included three restaurants (Soul Bowl I & II and Crazy Baby), two pool halls, two nightclubs (Star Lounge and Mr. Silks), two clothing stores (The Smart Shop and Mr. Silks), one record store, a laundromat and three grocery stores (The Big Apple Statesville/Southside/Wilmore). His mentor in business was the late Cicero Grier who advised him in business and who later was the catalyst for the construction of his shopping center on South Tryon Street. That building housed The Big Apple Southside and The Big Apple Laundromat. Additionally, he owned property at the corner of Statesville Avenue and Badger Court that housed The Big Apple Statesville, Anderton’s Barber Shop and The Last Stop. The Big Apple Statesville was the site of one of the largest block parties on the West Side in the late 80’s and early 90’s, the Annual Labor Day Cookout. Will donated all of the food for the event, there were dance contests and parades and a good time for all who attended. Many family members worked alongside Will…and family knew that as long as he had a business, they had a job! As well, the Double Oaks Community was Will’s extended family…the game room was a safe haven for many neighborhood kids, his office was a place where hearts were opened and wisdom and funds were shared, and the grocery store was a place where customers were able to buy groceries within walking distance of their home or on credit, if need be, like the old days. Will loved to help, share and mentor those who wanted to become entrepreneurs like himself. Will’s legacy lives on thru the Po Boy Snack, that originated at The Big Apple, and can now be found at Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish, which was founded by his Son, Michael and is family owned and operated by Michael, his business partners and our families. His retirement years were spent enjoying his family, in particular his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Bessie (Grover), brother George (Pam), L.W. (Mattie) and wife of 50 years, Margaret. Will leaves to cherish his memory his son: Michael (Crystal) Sevone Rhynes, Sr, grandchildren; Morghyn (Wade) Rhynes-Mosely, Michael (Camille) Sevone Rhynes, Jr and Corwin Rhynes all of Charlotte, NC. grandchildren; Jahylen, Wade & Justus Mosley, Logan Rhynes , sister in law, Pamela Rhynes, many nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.

Willie James Rhynes

March 15, 1935 - April 30, 2024