Capt. John Dekle Rimes -04/08/2022

On April 8, 2022, Captain John D. Rimes, Jr., of Worthington Springs, FL, took his final flight, at the age of 85, leaving behind his crew; loving wife of 63 years, Lessie Rimes; daughter, Tammy Rimes of Colorado; sons, John (Betty) Rimes and Jeff (Keri) Rimes all of Worthington Springs; honorary son, Tiger “Ron” Rodrigue of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; nine grandchildren, Saum, Shireen, Sierra, Caroline (Colby), Madison, Jonathan (Cassandra), Elliot, Miles (Anna), and Taylor; 5 great-grandchildren, Itsy, Chanel, Olivia, Alynna, Hunter; sister, Mary Lou (Tom) Carter of Orange Park; and a host of extended family.

Infamously credited with inventing copper wire because of his ability to stretch a penny, humble beginnings instilled a fiscal conservative nature in Captain Rimes. Born on September 25, 1936, in Worthington Springs, to JD and Mary Rimes, he grew up in Worthington Springs and was a 1954 graduate of Union County High School. Desiring to further his education, John had to work to pay his way at the University of Florida. While at UF, majoring in Agriculture Economics, he joined to ROTC program. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Navy and began flight training at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL. During his service, he was stationed in Patuxent River, Maryland, Argentia Newfoundland, and Jacksonville, FL. He completed missions, such as flying the Lockheed Constellation North Barriers between Iceland and Russia during the Cuban Missile Crisis. John returned to Jacksonville where he served as a Navy Flight Instructor. After he was Honorably Discharged from the Navy, his love for flying carried over into the civilian life where he was a Captain for commercial airliners National Airlines and Pan Am Airlines. He flew 727’s and DC-10’s both internationally and domestically for 23 years.

John was a member of the Worthington Springs United Methodist Church and this is where he met the love of his life, Lessie Munn. In 1959, the couple married in that little church with $10 to their names. Hardships and financial struggles drove John to become an entrepreneur. He enjoyed developing, cultivating, and building various businesses that ranged from restaurants (The Iron Horse), apartment complexes, mobile home parks, air parks, garages, and ranching. His “What we need to do” mentality allowed him to be successful and provide for his family. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed gardening, ballroom dancing, telling jokes, and of course, bargain hunting.

A funeral service to honor Captain Rimes’ life will be held on Friday, April 15, at 11:00 am, at that same little church, Worthington Springs Community Church (Formally United Methodist Church). The family will receive friends for a visitation beginning at 10:00am at the church. Services will be officiated by Bro. Art Peterson. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home, Lake Butler. 386-496-2008. www.ArcherFuneralHome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made, in Mr. Rimes’ honor, to the Worthington Springs Community Church or St. Jude’s Children Hospital.

Esther Rivers Mallonee 09/08/1920-04/10/2018

Esther Rivers Mallonee, 97, of Candler, NC, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2018 at Pisgah Manor surrounded by her family. Esther, born September 8, 1920 to Charles and Annie Rivers, was from Lake Butler, Florida. She was one of eight children and she was especially close to her sister, Luella, who died in 2002. Esther attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida as well as the Compton Business College in Jacksonville, Florida. It was in Jacksonville that she met Commander Thomas Lane “Tom” Mallonee who was in the Navy and they wed in 1945. Tom and Esther were married for 52 years before Tom died in 1997.
When Tom left the Navy, he and Esther returned to his home in Candler, NC. Esther was very involved in the community serving in numerous roles in the PTA, the Democratic Women, various Garden Clubs, and Montmorenci United Methodist Church. She was recognized in 1978 as the Buncombe County “Woman of the Week” for her dedication to her community and church. Esther continued with her love for volunteering throughout her life and even at 96 was serving and helping others through the Free Community Market at her church. It would not be unusual to see her wrapping gifts at the Mall at Christmas, delivering meals to those in need, and adding her lovely voice to one choir or another in celebration of some special event. She was an accomplished seamstress, gardener, and a loving friend to all generations of people. Most of all, Esther was known for her inspiring faith, her giving nature and her all-encompassing love for people of all ages and walks of life.
Esther is survived by two children, Thomas Lane Mallonee, Jr (Angie) of Candler, and Charles William “Chuck” Mallonee (Teresa) of Franklin, NC. She was a dedicated grandmother to grandsons, Chris Mallonee (Michele) and Mark Mallonee of Candler, and Chase Mallonee of Cullowhee, NC and granddaughter, Jessica Mallonee of Asheville, NC. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Ryan and Pressley Mallonee, countless nieces, nephews and cousins, and a host of loving friends.
Special thanks to the staff at Pisgah Manor and Four Seasons Hospice for her care during her stay there. She was well loved and grateful for the affection and care she received. Funeral services for Mrs. Mallonee will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 15, at Montmorenci United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Karen Kurtz officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Her family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 3:00 p.m.
Groce Funeral Home

John Colson Rimes 10/26/1932-07/28/2013

"2 Daddy" "Daddy John" Rimes

Mr. John Colson "2 Daddy" "Daddy John" Rimes, age 80, of Worthington Springs, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday July 28, 2013 surrounded by his family after an extended illness. Mr. Rimes was born on October 26, 1932, in Worthington Springs to the late Wilbur H. and Virginia Colson Rimes, where he lived most of his life. Mr. Rimes was a long distance truck driver for 63 years until ill health forced him to retire. Mr. Rimes was a member of the Grace Fellowship Church in Worthington Springs. Mr. Rimes was preceded in death by a son: William C. Rimes; grandson: Matthew Williamson; granddaughter’s: Ashlee and Allisun Box; brother: Thomas Rimes and step-father: Angus Bielling. Mr. Rimes is survived by his loving wife: Janice Mathis Rimes of Worthington Springs; Children: Jason Rimes (Deanna) of Worthington Springs, Lori Box (Cedric) of Salt Springs, Ronny Pinkston (Marlana) of Worthington Springs, Wilbur Colson Rimes (Vicki) of Lebanon, Tennessee, Marilyn Wells (Jeff) of McGee, Mississippi, and Melinda Rimes of Providence; Sister: Mary Virginia Williams; sixteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews also survive. Memorial Services for Mr. Rimes will be conducted on Thursday August 1, 2013, at 11AM in the chapel of Archer Funeral Home with Rev. Terry Elixson officiating. Internment will follow at a later date in Bethlehem-Rimes Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10-11AM (hour prior to the service) at the funeral home. Archer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

Obituary for Wilson S. Rivers -11/29/2011

Passed away on November 29, 2011 He will he remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and a blessed friend to many. He is survived by his wife. Sue, of 65 years, and children, Connie, Will, Scott, and Diane. Born and reared in Lake Butler, the son of the late Charlie F. Rivers and Annie Rimes Rivers, he remained a lifelong resident and valuable contributor to his community. During those years, he was a volunteer fireman and member of the city council. In his boyhood years, Wilson would work in his father's grist mill (grits) and blacksmith shop, After graduating as valedictorian from Union County High School in 1940, he attended the University of Florida, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. WWII ended while he was serving in the Philippines as 1st Lieutenant, Infantry Division, and he was re-assigned as hospital administrator, first at station hospital on Letey Island and then in the same capacity at Clark Field, Luzon, north of Manila. There, be met his wife, Sophia (Sue) Warenda, a nurse from Middletown, CT, who was also serving as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Nursing Corp. After being married in Springfield MA, they returned to his home town where they had the opportunity to purchase his father's business in 1947. They continued this business for 40 years. Wilson not only took pride in his business, but truly appreciated the opportunity to serve the community. As well as being a firearm enthusiast and tree farmer, he was also a charter member of the Lions Club, the Rotary Club and the Riding Club of Lake Butler and a board member of Florida Forestry. He served both as a member and Chairman of the Board of Gateway College (formally known as Lake City Community College) for 28 years. He lived his life to the fullest, looking forward to each day. Besides his love for horseback riding, one of the things he most enjoyed was meeting people and talking and his ability to tell stories and jokes was widely known. An avid horseman well into his late 80's, he shared his love and knowledge of horses with his children, grandchildren and friends. A life time member of First Christian. Church Lake Butler, Wilson served the Lord as a deacon, elder, choir member and board member.

Funeral services will be held Saturday Nov. 3, 2011 at 2:30 P. M. in the First Christian Church of Lake Butler, with Bro. Arthur Peterson officiating. Burial will follow in Dekle Cemetery under the care of Archer Funeral Home of Lake Butler. Family will receive friends at the church from 1:30. Serving in the Philippines as 1st Lieutenant, Infantry Division, and he was re-assigned as hospital administrator, first at station hospital on Letey Island and then in the same capacity at Clark Field, Luzon. 

 John Dekle Rimes 09/16/1906-07/30/1999