Kyhiem Leonard Harrington

Kyhiem Leonard Harrington, age 5, more lovingly known as Kyhiem Quinton Rhyne, went to be with his Savior on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, surrounded by his family.

By the world’s standards, it may have appeared that Ky entered this world unwanted—but God had other plans for his life. Though Ky experienced pain no child should ever know, he also knew love, and how to love, in a way few ever do. His words were stolen from him, but his voice was not. Ky’s life brought awareness to child abuse in ways none of us could have imagined. Without ever stepping into a courtroom, he ruled them. Without speaking, he moved hearts that had never been moved.

Ky had a way of warming everyone with his giant smile. He loved to be rocked and sung to, and his favorite comfort was having his head rubbed—once you started, you were not allowed to stop until he decided, letting you know with a look only Ky could give. Though his life was short, its impact was vast.

Ky is survived by his guardian family, who were parents, grandparents and siblings to Ky, Matthew and Jennifer Rhyne of Ellerbe; his Papa Quint and MaMa Karen Covington of Rockingham; his five big “sisters”—Kinnley Micklem (Parker), Tatum Childers (Jace), Parker Rhyne (Bryson Green), Dillon Rhyne, and Sophia Rhyne; and his baby “sister”, YanaClaire Rhyne, whom he consistently rolled his eyes at. He is also survived by his “nephews”; his best friend, Eben; his snuggle partners, Canaan and Abram; Grandma Rhyne; Meme; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ky was blessed with a village too large to name individually, yet deeply cherished. We are forever grateful for the church families who loved him and us so well; the Moore County DSS staff and court system who fought hard for him; and our Hilltop friends, Bright Horizons Home Care, UNC staff, WakeMed PICU, Holland Case Management, and Hoping Hands Hospice. Since his injuries, Ky has known nothing but love in every circumstance.

Friends and family will gather to honor and celebrate Ky’s life on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11 am at Fellowship Baptist Church, 136 Wallace Road, Ellerbe, NC.

To honor Ky’s life, we encourage you to love those who do not look or move like you. Fight injustices against children. Speak up when you see wrong. Love fiercely. Share the light and love of Jesus wherever you go, and join us one day in heaven, where we will worship together with Ky—who will be raising his arms and bowing his body with ease. He is finally healed.

Memorials may be made in Ky’s memory to Fellowship Baptist Church, 136 Wallace Road, Ellerbe, NC 28338.