John was born on May 21st, 1928 at his family's home in Murray County, GA. He was the sixth child of Albert Taylor  Rymer and Frances McCamy Rymer.  He had an older brother and four older sisters. For more on his early life see John's Story from birth to high school  and From High School through the Air Force.

While on leave from the Air Force, (before going overseas) John met Beverly Ann Staples in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on a blind date. He was sold on getting a date with her when she was described as; "Short and dumpy, but she sure is cute." On his first date he found the description was accurate but should have included, " and fun to be with".  Beverly and John corresponded while John was overseas, on his return and discharge in October. 1954 they dated and became engaged at Christmas, being married on April 11th, 1955 in the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale.

Beverly and John had three children:
John Taylor Rymer on August 31, 1956
Todd McCamy Rymer on August 5, 1957
Ann Elizabeth Rymer Brady on October 16, 1962

More about them later.

Beverly's parents were; James Gwyn Staples Jr. and Caroline Taylor Staples who lived in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Beverly's father died in 1955, shortly before she was married and is buried in the Fort Lauderdale memorial cemetery. His parents (Beverly's grandparents) Were Dr. James Gwyn Staples and Kate Collins Staples of Demopolis, AL.  James and Kate were divorced and James married again, he and his second wife also had one son.

Beverly's mother, Caroline Taylor Staples parents were; Jamie and Myra Newton Taylor. They also lived in Demopolis, AL. where Jamie was a banker and enjoyed harness racing (Have no idea if he was good). Beverly's grandmother, Myra Newton Taylor was an exceeding brilliant person,  as was her brother:  Oscar Newton  Click here,For more info on Oscar who became head of the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta (he also had a pullman railroad car named after him).

While we are unsure (have forgotten) of the exact relationship, Beverly's grandmother spoke about Rev. George Newton as one of her forefathers. He was was a Presbyterian Minster in the Asheville, NC area during the early 1800's, founding both a church and school. Today there are two historical markers about his work on Merriman Avenue in Asheville. The following is copied form the website "unca.edc"

 

"In 1793, on land owned by William Forster, II, a school to be known as Union Hill was organized by Robert Henry, a versatile and well-educated man who had recently come into the Buncombe area along with many other pioneers* Veterans of the Revolution. People: in the area yearned for spiritual and educational opportunities, and in 1793 on a knoll covered with magnificent oaks and pines, Robert Henry and his patrons erected a log school building, the first one in the State west of the Blue Ridge/fountains. Both boys and girls attended the school coming on horseback from the various farming communities to take advantage of "book learning'¹ offered by Mr. Henry at Union Hill. In 1797, Robert Henry resigned, as head of Union Hill to begin the practice of law. It was then that George Newton, age 32, and recently arrived from Rutherford County to become educational leader of the newly formed village of Asheville, and was appointed teacher of Union Hill to succeed Mr. Henry. Almost at once Mr. Newton received a call from three congregations—Bee Tree, Swannanoa (Asheville) and Reems Creek to serve them as minister. Thus, George Newton began a residence of seventeen years in the Asheville area as its teacher and minister. His service seemed to please these predominantly Presbyterian people who demanded educated ministers and a church-centered education for their children. Under George Newton's leadership this two-fold service was reflected in every phase of community life. He was an outstanding teacher with a rich background of information with the ability to impart his knowledge and to inspire his pupils. Under his leadership, Union Hill became a Boys' School and in 1805, by an act of Legislature, it became Union Hill Academy. Four years later, in 1809, this name was changed to Newton Academy honoring the highly-esteemed teacher-minister, George Newton. The influence of George Newton reached  far beyond the confines of Newton Academy. Many of his pupils became leaders in shaping the development of the town, county, State, and Nation. Among these men are
the names of David Lowry Swain, President of the University at Chapel Hill and later Governor of the State, B. F. Perry, ,who became Governor of South Carolina, Gen. Robert B. Vance — many native Ashevillians recall stories told by the parents or anancestor who attended Newton Academy School."

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