William "Bill" Rhymer

Elder William “Bill” Rhymer was born on November 11, 1944, the son of the late Harve and Hazel Williams Rhymer. He departed this life on July 9, 2024 with his family by his side. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by thirteen half brothers and sisters, two brothers and one sister.

Bill joined Gibson Station Primitive Baptist Church in November of 1958, and later moved his membership to Pleasant Hill Primitive Baptist Church. He was ordained to the ministry on December 17, 1976 and served as assistant pastor and then pastor at Gibson Station Primitive Baptist Church beginning in November of 1977 until March of 1980. He then went on to pastor at Pleasant Hill Primitive Baptist Church from December of 1979 until 2005. Bill worked for the Middlesboro Hardware Company and then The Village Shops, before retiring from DeRoyal Industries after many years.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Karen Woodby Rhymer; son, William Rhymer, Jr.; granddaughter, Brianna Rhymer; brother, Clyde Rhymer; sister, Margaret Rhymer; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, his church family, and many friends.

Funeral Services will be on Friday, July 12 at 7:30 PM at the Arnett & Steele Valley Chapel with Elder Steve Greene and Elder Bill Berry officiating. Graveside Committal Services will be on Saturday, July 13, at 10:30 AM at the Irish Memorial Gardens in Tazewell with Elder Larry Anderson officiating. Music will be provided by Dennis and Helen Branson, Elder Bill Berry, Diane Hewitt and pianist; Glenda Parton.

Pallbearers: Wayne Francis, Anthony Raby, Larry Campbell, Merlin Branscombe, Pete Brooks and Mark Daniels.

Honorary Pallbearers: William Branscombe, Claude Sandifer, Dick Nevils and Elders of the Powell Valley Association.

The Family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. until funeral hour on Friday at the Arnett & Steele Valley Chapel in Harrogate, which is honored to be serving the Rhymer family.