William Edward Rhem

William Edward Rhem was born on September 18, 1936, in New Bern, North Carolina to Clara and James Rhem. At the age of 86, he departed this life during the early morning hours of June 2, 2023.

The oldest of six children, he was raised and educated in the New Bern School System. In 1954 he graduated from West Street High School. After high school, he went to Virginia State College in Norfolk, Virginia. Bill completed two years of college then decided to join the military. From 1956 to 1960, Bill served in the U.S. Air Force. After being honorably discharged, he moved to Washington, D.C. then headed north to New York City where he lived for 40 years.

After the military Bill worked several jobs including time at the US Post Office in Manhattan. While at the Post Office, Bill started taking evening classes. After completing two years of courses, he qualified to take the entrance exam to be a New York State Court Officer. During his tenure with the New York State Court system, he completed his bachelor’s degree from Long Island University. He later took the exam to become a Court Clerk which is the job he retired from in 1997.

In 1963 Bill married Vivian Irby, the love of his life. From the very beginning Bill and Vivian had a love for the ages. They enjoyed each other very much and spent all their time together. When they met Vivian had a son, Tim Irby, who soon became Bill’s son. Bill’s love for Tim was unconditional and everlasting. In 1965 Bill and Vivian welcomed their only baby girl, Renee Elizabeth and in 1969, their baby boy, William “Billy” Jr. was born. With their three kids, Bill and Vivian enjoyed family time. They spent weekends holding picnics in New York state parks and beaches. They took many of the church youth groups and friends of their kids to Camp Warwick. There was always something happening in the Rhem home. Bill’s kids had a great childhood, and his strong discipline played a key part in that.

Bill loved God and his family above all. He was an active member of South Bushwick Reformed Church in Brooklyn, New York for 30 years. Bill served in many roles including Deacon, Elder and Youth Group Leader. After moving to Delaware, they became members of Glasgow Presbyterian, now Reach Church. Bill and Vivian believe that church membership means more than simply attending church on Sunday. In addition to active participation in their house church, they also participated in a mission’s trip to New Orleans in 2009 to assist with the Hurricane Katrina clean up. Bill loved his church family, and he enjoyed the food and fellowship the most.

Bill was a family man and a good friend. When he wasn’t in his living room blasting his favorite jazz musician, he enjoyed traveling and spending time with those he loved. He played cards, mostly with his wife as his partner. During his early years, he loved playing golf. He also enjoyed playing pool. He loved to attend family reunions and class reunions. If he was able, he didn’t miss one. Bill and Vivian were instrumental in many family members learning about their family tree. They did research and spent countless time building their family trees so they could teach their grandchildren about their family history. This was very important to Bill.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Clara and James Rhem; his siblings, James Earl Rhem and Mary Light and his grandson, Damell Irby. He leaves to carry on his legacy: his wife of 60 years, Vivian; his daughter, Renee and her husband Mill; his sons, Tim Sr. and William “Billy” Rhem, Jr. and his wife Renee; his sisters, Lorraine, Clara, and Norma; his sister-in-law, Isabelle; his grandchildren, Jasmine, Tim Jr., Shane, Kathy, Tyler and his wife Terah, Franklin, Miles, Brooke, William “Trey,” and Renard; his great grandchildren, Alexis, Alicia, Kaden, Jackson, Taaliah and Temperance; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.