Mr Rhymer, the patriarch of his family, was born on November 9, 1916, to Henry and Jane Eliza “Burbel” Rhymer at Johnny Hill, Tortola, and he was one of few cherished centenarian living in the VI.

Mr Rhymer is also the grandfather of two current legislators, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) and Hon Sharie B. deCastro (AL) as well as a relative to Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2).

My Rhymer was a staunch Methodist

Family related that he was educated at the Cane Garden Bay Methodist Church Schools and was a staunch Methodist. He was also married to the late Josephine Rhymer nee Nibbs and fathered ten (10) children including - Allan, Dennis, Joseph, Henry, William Jr, Elroy, Shirley, Janet, Violet and Joyce.

“Mr Rhymer was a road warden and he was also known to be an outstanding sailor. He was also a farmer and throughout the years captured many prizes at the Agricultural Food Fair for his Virgin Islands white sheep, bananas and sweet potatoes to name a few. He was named Farmer of the year as well,” granddaughter Hon deCastro told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO)

He was involved with the sport of horse racing as a horse owner, caretaker and trainer. In his prime, Mr Rhymer owned popular horses such as “The Kid, Look Small, Squall, Diane, and Candy” and was also the part-owner of “Maddix.”

Just last year on November 9, 2020, Mr Rhymer celebrated his 104th birthday, surrounded by friends and family amidst glowing tributes from the wider VI community. He would have celebrated his 105th birthday in November 2021.

Family lost matriarch in 2016

On September 25, 2016, surrounded by many family and friends, My Rymer celebrated his 76th wedding anniversary with his soulmate Josephine, however, less than a year later on April 12, 2017, tragedy struck when he lost the love of his life, Josephine who was the matriarch of the Rhymers of Round Hill, Tortola.

“William’s union with Josephine became known around the Virgin Islands and in recent history, they were celebrated annually as being the longest-married couple in the territory. They received congratulatory cards from Queen Elizabeth for their 70th and 75th wedding anniversaries,” deCastro related.

Mr Rhymer is survived by his 10 children, 31 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and 27 great-great-grandchildren.

The management and staff of VINO espresses heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late Mr Rhymer.

Mr William I. Rhymer is the grandfather of Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5), the Minister of Transportation, Works and Utilities (in photo) and Junior Minister for Tourism, Hon Sharie B. deCastro

The late William I. Rhymer, centre and his deceased wife, Mrs Josephine Rhymer (right), with their daughter Shirley (left) back in November 2016.

Mr William I Rhymer on his 104th birthday on November 9, 2020, was visited by his granddaughter, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) alone with At Large Member and Deputy Speaker, Hon Neville A. Smith; and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon Julian Willock.