Joseph "Joe" Hinds Rayl

Joseph Hinds Rayl, 79 of Highlands, NC and Ocklawaha, FL, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on May 7, 2026 surrounded by his loving family at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, GA.

Born in Kokomo, IN on January 3, 1947, Joe was the son of the late Earl and Mildred E. Rayl. He was an entrepreneur extraordinaire, owning and operating a carpet company, several roofing companies, mortgage companies, and boat dealerships. One of his proudest accomplishments was his role as Rear Commodore of the Clearwater, FL Yacht Club from 1989-1990 and Commodore from 1990-1991.

Joe never missed an opportunity to work or play. If he was not surrounded by his many family members or friends, he was enjoying one of his numerous Harley Davidsons or one of his many boats, living every day to his fullest.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rita, his puppy, FiFi, his children; Marybeth (Mark) Hopkins, Joe (Karen) Rayl, Melissa (Eric) Zeitlin, Wendy (Bobby) Stucker, Matthew (Becky) Rahl, Jillian (Xuan) Tran, Lucy Rayl, Luke (Vanja) Rayl. He also leaves behind stepchildren; Jason Woodside, Renae Marin, Stephanie (Mark) Klein, Christopher (Christi) Bruer, 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 15 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Bryant-Grant Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Franklin, NC. Funeral services will be Saturday, May 16 at 10:00 am at the funeral home with the Reverend Brian Hammond officiating. Pallbearers will be sons and sons-in-law.

Interment will be private.

Online condolences may be made at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Rahl family.