Ed was a self-made man who lived life large. He was known for his large appetites for good food, good movies, good books, and travel. But overall, he was driven by his love for his family.
He was born Feb 7, 1936 in Columbus, GA to Edwin A. Rhymer, Sr. and Mamie Aileen (Spain) Wood. At the age of 17, Ed joined the US Navy and shipped out to San Diego, CA. For the next five years he traveled throughout the Pacific learning the discipline and routine that would serve him throughout his life.
Upon returning home in 1958, Ed met and married Virginia Grace Johnson in June of 1959. They built a loving home around their six sons (born 1960-1973) and were married almost 34 years.
Ed graduated with a B.S. from Troy State in 1965. At that time, he took a position with State Farm in Andalusia, AL. In 1970, the family moved to Mobile, AL where Ed went to work with Davidson & Co. until he formed his own company, Ed Rhymer and Assoc. in 1984. In 1989, Ed joined American States as a senior adjustor. He would remain with them until he retired in 1998.
After the passing of his beloved wife in 1993, Ed dedicated himself to keeping his family connected. There were frequent family reunions, first in the family home on Cooper Drive and later in the home cities of his sons. After retiring, Ed traveled the world. Some of the places he visited were: South Africa, England, Scotland, Israel, Germany, France, Canada and Mexico. He also used this time to visit his sons and their families all over the United States.
Ed epitomized the American dream. He started out with very little and built a successful life and career through hard work and dedication. He provided a great start for his family and they all went on to be successful and happy and raise their own families. Dad never lost sight of his own dreams, continuing to travel and educate himself well into his latter years. He was a prolific writer of songs, poetry, children’s books, novels and memoirs. He published seven original works that are available online.
Ed was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Allen Rhymer, Sr.; his mothers, Mamie Aileen Wood and Cora Janelle Rhymer; his sister, Edwina Aileen Rhymer; his brother, Earl Andrew Rhymer and his wife, Virginia Grace (Johnson) Rhymer. He is survived by his two brothers, Eudon Alvin Rhymer and Frankie James Anstett. Ed’s sons: Edwin Allen Rhymer, III (Amanda), Karl Ashley Rhymer (Ioana), Spencer Oliver Rhymer (Alma), Jason Quinn Rhymer (Linda), Erich King Rhymer (Amy) and Preston Laurence Rhymer (Courtney). His grandchildren: Logan Rhymer Odom (David), Laramy Rhymer Bilter (Tyler) Stephen Stephan Allen Rhymer (Jennifer), Candace Marie Rhymer, Corey Bennett Rhymer (Amy Jo), Calin Mihai Rhymer (Leah), Anca Corina Rhymer, Brandon Nicholas Rhymer (Meaghan), Nathaniel Karl Rhymer, Cameron Austin Rhymer, Jordan Quinten Rhymer, Shelby Grace Rhymer, Ava Grace Rhymer, Flynn Wolfe Rhymer, and Molly Virginia Rhymer. Four great grandchildren, Camille Rivers Odom, Wyatt Thomas Rhymer, Jackson Richard Rhymer and Josie Grace Rhymer.
Funeral services will be held from the chapel of Radney Funeral Home on Dauphin Street at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 26, 2021. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, March 25, from 6-8 p.m. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery West. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make donations to a cause of your choice in the name of Edwin Allen Rhymer, Jr. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.
