By Staff
John Edwin Rea of 556 Mallard Cove, Roper, NC, died peacefully in his home on Friday, October 15, 2010. He was 86 years old.
Mr. Rea was born on November 10, 1923 in Mecklenburg County to the late James Lathan Rea and Mary Bell Ardrey Rea. He spent his childhood days in the Wenona community of Washington County. His family relocated to Roper where his father was superintendent of what is now the Vernon James Center.
Mr. Rea graduated from Plymouth High School and attended Mars Hill College and East Carolina University.
Enlisting in the United States Marine Corp on February 8, 1943, Mr. Rea achieved the rank of Sergeant and served in the Pacific theater from September 1944 through March 1946. During this time period he participated in the occupation of China and in the offensive air action against enemy forces while in the Pacific. Special military qualifications included aircraft mechanic and was qualified as a rifle expert. He received an honorable discharge on April 15, 1946.
Mr. Rea was employed by Weyerhaeuser Company for 29 years. After his retirement from Weyerhaeuser, he continued to be active as a registered surveyor, established Rea Land Surveying, and worked in this capacity until he retired in 2001.
John met the love of his life, Garland E. Spruill and they were married on December 25, 1948. They became the proud parents of four children, seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
Mr. Rea is survived by his wife of 61 years, Garland S. Rea, one daughter, Linda Rea Blume and her husband Tom of Elon, NC, son Robin L. Rea and his wife Kathy, of Plymouth, NC, and son Derek S. Rea of Roper, NC. Also surviving is his daughter-in-law, Susan R. Rea of Plymouth, NC and one brother Robert Rea and wife Helen of Kinston, NC.
Mr. Rea was predeceased by his son John Edwin Rea, Jr. on July 17, 2005, his grandson Jonathan Patrick Rea on September 30, 1998, a daughter-in-law Bettie Willis Rea on November 26, 1996, and a brother, James L. Rea, Jr.
Surviving grandchildren include, Kristen Blume Fierro and husband Carlos, Letitia Rea Ambrose and husband Scotty, Melissa Rea Lee and husband Chris, Mia Blume, Lauren Rea, and Lindsay Rea.
The great grandchildren of Mr. Rea are Jesse Ambrose, Josh Ambrose, Sonny Lee, and Ava Fierro.
Mr. Rea was a member of Plymouth First Baptist Church.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, October 17 at 2:00 pm at Plymouth First Baptist Church, with the Reverend Jimmy Hagwood officiating.
The family will receive visitors immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.
Memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to:
Plymouth First Baptist Church, PO Box 400 , Plymouth, NC 27962
Arrangements are by Maitland Funeral Home of Plymouth.
Paid Obituary