William Garvey Rimmer, Jr.

William Garvey "Bill" Rimmer, Jr., 92, of Burlington died peacefully Sunday, November 24, 2024, at AuthoraCare Collective.

He was born at home in Hurdle Mills on February 24, 1932, to the late William, Sr. and Idean Bradsher Rimmer.

He married the love of his life, Marsha Carol Porterfield, on May 20, 1955, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sons, Kenneth Steven (Cindi) and Keith Andrew; his son-in-law, Franklin Lynn Matherly; his sister, Carolyn Rae and her husband, Thomas Tilley Gray; and his brother-in-law, Dickie Porterfield.

Survivors include his daughter who lovingly cared for him his remaining time on earth, Joan Andrea Matherly of Burlington; granddaughter, Jessi Lynn Matherly (Mike Williamson & Joe); grandson, Kody Andrew Matherly (Betty Baker); nephews, Tommy Gray (Sarah) and Tony Gray (Judy); nieces, Tina Sellers (Harold) and Tonya Carden (Richard); several grand and great grand nephews and nieces and numerous extended family and friends.

Bill proudly served as a mechanic on B-29 Bombers during the Korean War in the United States Air Force beginning January 5,1951. He grew in rank beginning March 3, 1951, as Private First Class; became a Corporal on December 27, 1951; an Airman First Class on March 13, 1953; and Staff Sargeant on November 20, 1954, before being honorably discharged from Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas on December 8, 1954. During his tenure, he was decorated with the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Once out of the service he returned to North Carolina to work for Lucent Technologies, the United States Postal Service and owned a carpet cleaning business before retiring. During retirement, he found joy in live music weekly at the Schley Grange Hall and volunteering at the Hospice of Alamance-Caswell Counties (now named AuthoraCare Collective) store and yard sale. He was a proud lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He also enjoyed several years at his beach home with family and friends and loved to fish whether at the beach, a pond or the lake.

A service to celebrate his life will be held 4:00 PM Wednesday November 27 at Grace Chapel, (2451 Eric Lane suite 101, Burlington) by Pastor Brian Biggers. The family will receive friends at the church from 3:00 - 4:00 prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to AuthoraCare Collective, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.