Durward Dudley Rhem
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Durward Dudley Rhem III passed away the morning of November 21, 2020 in Winter Springs, Florida. He was the son of Durward Dudley Jr. and Muriel Williams Rhem from Georgetown, S.C. and is survived by his two daughters, Trisha Poole and Jennifer Volkmer, grandchildren Leah Pennington and Wyatt Poole III, and great grandchildren Kyliegh Pennington-Walker and Camien Durant.
As the oldest son of Durward Dudley Rhem II, Durward grew up being known as "Sonny Boy" and later in life took the nickname of D.D. with his friends and associates. He served in the Army during World War II and after being discharged went to college and received degrees from William & Mary and Ringling College of Art. D.D. loved the sunny state of Florida and settled there to raise a family while pursuing a career in graphic arts. He moved to Brevard County where he soon met Jane Patricia "Patsy" Rhem who he married in 1955. They divorced after 30 years of marriage.
D.D. was a gifted artist and a born entrepreneur who founded and led two successful companies during his six-decade professional career. Brevard Graphics: a graphic design and printing company, and Graphic Arts Center: a graphic arts studio, both located in Melbourne, Florida. D.D. was an incredibly talented artist who inspired his employees with creativity and a high bar of excellence. He was respected for his leadership and loved for loyalty, dedication, and a witty sense of humor.
D.D. was a devoted and loving father who raised three children with Patsy: Durward Dudley Rhem IV "Tripp", Patricia Anne Rhem, and Jennifer Leah Rhem in Indialantic, Florida. The eldest child, Tripp worked with D.D. at Graphic Arts Center in Melbourne, Florida, up until Tripp suddenly passed away in July of 2014 at the age of 56.
D.D. lived the last years of his life with Parkinson's Disease which ultimately contributed to his passing at a nursing home in Winter Springs, Florida. Although he was in isolation due to the pandemic his daughters Trisha and Jennifer were able to see him and spend time with him days before his passing.
A memorial service will be held graveside at Union United Methodist Church Cemetery Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 11:00 am. Visitation will follow directly after at the home of Edsel Hemingway at 485 Hemingway Lane, Georgetown, South Carolina.
The family suggests memorials in the memories of D.D. "Sonny Boy" Rhem, to: Union United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 580, Hemingway S.C. 29554 or to the charity of one's choice.
Please sign a guestbook at: www.mayerfuneralhome.com.
The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home is assisting the family.