Obituary of Ringgold Wilson Wilmer, Jr.

Ringgold Wilson Wilmer Jr. (Bill, Tiger) was born May 15, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York to Ringgold W. Wilmer Sr. and Florence I. Dunn. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Manhasset, Long Island. Whether cruising the streets of Manhasset in his dad’s 36’ Ford or spending a summer afternoon on water skis in the Long Island Sound, he had a wonderful childhood along with his 2 younger brothers Bruce and David.

Upon graduation from Manhasset High School, he attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, University of Rochester and Colombia University Graduate School of Business where he received an MBA in Business.

In 1964, he was hired by Merck and Co where he worked for 40 years. His career would provide the rich experience of living and traveling around the globe throughout his life. In 1967, after being married to his beloved wife, Annabelle, for only a year, he was sent to Kenya to start the distributions in East Africa from Zambia to Ethiopia. In 1969, he was named Country Manager for Iran and he and Annabelle relocated to Iran. Three years later, he was sent to Belgium for five years as head of the pharmaceutical division. In 1976, they moved on to New Zealand for 2 years as head of the country division. His final international move was to England as head of the pharmaceutical division. During this time, he also became a dad to two of the loves of his life, Elizabeth and Caroline. In late 1983, the family relocated to New Jersey where he remained for the rest of his career focusing on the Asian Pacific Region with many trips to Japan. His years of traveling came to an end in 2004 upon retirement.

In his retirement he enjoyed the antique car hobby collecting an Allard 1952 JTX, 1936 Ford Phaeton and 1970 Boss 302.  He spent much of his time as an active member of the Allard Club, Antique Automobile Club of America, and Early v8 Ford Engine Club.

He is survived by his wife, Annabelle Wilmer of 57 years, 2 daughters Elizabeth Wilmer and Caroline Fairchild and 3 grandsons, Luke, Jacob and Jesse Fairchild.

Visitation will be held at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, on Thursday August 22, 2024 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held at St. Marks Episcopal Church, 140 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge on Friday, August 23, at 10 AM, followed by a brief reception.