William Rhymes

William (Bill) Wright Rhymes, Jr., (79), of Shelby, passed away at home, July 15, 2015.
Bill, the son of the late William W. Rhymes, Sr., and Kathryn Malsbury Rhymes, was born in Copiah Co., MS, on December 15, 1935. He grew up in New Orleans, LA, before returning to Mississippi. While in school there he earned his Eagle Scout and remained loyal to the Scouts throughout his life.
He was a graduate of Forest Hills High School Class of 1954, Jackson, MS, and Millsaps College, Jackson, MS, 1959 with a BS in Chemistry and Physics. He retired from Mallinckrodt Chemical Works, St. Louis, MO, after 27 years and OHP, Inc. after 12 years.
Bill was an active member of Zion Baptist Church, having served as Chairman of Deacons, Chairman of the Pastor Search Committee, Sunday school teacher, Adult Sunday School Dept. leader and Choir Member.
A faithful servant, he delivered meals for the Senior Center to the homebound in the community, accompanied at all times by his sidekick, "Gumbo" the daschshund.
He enjoyed reading, traveling the world, gardening, fishing, MUSIC and spending time with his adoring family at Ben Cougar, the family's country retreat.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart, Jeanine Bradley Rhymes, his wife of 61 years. He is also survived by his daughters, Jennifer Cabaniss and husband Dick of Shelby, NC, Susan Lucas and husband Frank of Mooresboro, NC, and Mindy Humphries and husband Ronnie of Shelby, NC.
"Daddy Bill" has seven grandchildren who were the light of his life: Katie Cabaniss of Durham, NC, Ben Cabaniss and wife Jennifer of Shelby, NC, Claire Cabaniss of Shelby, NC, Matt Lucas and wife Britney of Mooresboro, NC, Emily Lucas of Mooresboro, NC Mallory Humphries and Natalie Humphries, both of Shelby, NC.
His two wonderful great grandchildren, Aubrey and Brody Lucas, brought him much joy, especially during his illness.
Also surviving are his sister, Elizabeth Wynne and husband Don of Flowood, MS, sisters-in-law, Margaret Fountain of Utica, MS, Nancy Bowman of Flowood, MS, Linda Murphy of Terry, MS, and two aunts, Mary Lou Barnhart of Crystal Springs, MS, and Bette Robinson of McComb, MS. His memory is also cherished by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and longtime friends from around the world.
The family will receive friends Saturday, July 18, 2015 from 12:30 until 2:00 in the Fellowship Building of Zion Baptist Church with a Celebration of Life Service to follow in the church sanctuary at 2:00 pm.
We would like to give special thanks to Hospice, Piedmont Family Care and Dr. Rob Laney for their love, concern and support of our entire family during Daddy Bill's illness.
Memorials may be made to Zion Baptist Church Music Department, (525 W. Zion Church Road, Shelby, NC) or Hospice of Cleveland County (951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC)