Andrew (Andy) Rymer

Andrew (Andy) Clyde Rymer, age 75, of Knoxville, TN, passed away Thursday, September 21, 2023, after a brief illness. He was born in Knoxville, TN, on September 23, 1947, to his parents, Grace Jones Rymer and Clyde Lafayette Rymer. Andy grew up in Kingston, TN, and graduated from Roane County High School. Andy brought a unique blend of knowledge, passion, and kindness to every task he undertook. With over 52 years in the transportation field, he was still working and mentoring his colleagues. Through challenges and successes, Andy remained a steady and reliable presence, always willing to lend a helping hand and share his wisdom. He cherished his time with family and friends and especially enjoyed traveling, cruising, family vacations at the beach, and celebrating holidays. His grin was contagious, and he willingly served as a father figure and confidant for special friends and colleagues. Andy graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1970 and began working for the Tennessee Public Service Commission in Nashville a year later. During his 11 years with the Commission, he became Director of the Motor Carrier Division and Director of the Transportation Rate Division. He joined Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in 1982, where he served as the Manager of Operations and Regulatory Compliance, with much of his work supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s hazardous and radioactive transportation efforts. In 1991, Andy began his own consulting business and never looked back. He continued to work with DOE, its contractors, and commercial businesses. Andy was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Gail; daughters Kelli Krise and Sarah (Nathan) Eaton; sons Andrew Rymer, Jr. (Katie) and Daniel Ward (Alison); eight grandchildren, Lauren Rymer, Mary Caroline Eaton, Bennett Rymer, Emily Eaton, Jake Eaton, Mikko Krise, Elizabeth Ward, and Kaden Krise; mother-in-law, Pauline Mefford; faithful German Shepherd, Fendi; and special friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 23, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Chesapeake’s West Restaurant, 9630 Parkside Drive, Knoxville. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN, are encouraged.

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Andrew (Andy) Rymer

September 23, 1947 - September 21, 2023