Arthur "Wayne" Rhea (6-4-23) service 6-12-23

Arthur “Wayne” Rhea, 78, of Lexington, Mississippi, passed away to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 4. Wayne, the name used by all who knew him, was born on Sept. 30, in Dunlap, Tennessee.

Upon graduating from Savannah High School, he joined the U.S. Navy and had a fulfilling career in electronics. He proudly served his country for 20 years and retired to Lexington, Mississippi. He attended Holmes Junior College and Delta State University, earning a degree in business. After graduation, he spent many years farming with the Padgett and Kimbrough families. He then worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a rural mail carrier where he retired for a second time.

Serving as a ruling elder, he was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Lexington until his death. The most important things to Wayne were his faith and family. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Diane, taking hunting trips with his nephew Joel, and cheering on his grandson Ray at his many sporting events.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lois and Arthur Rhea; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Neil Boyd; and niece, Lisa Ross Parker.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Diane of Lexington, Mississippi; daughter and son-in-law, Kerrie and Len Ware Jr. ; and grandson, Ray of Brandon, Mississippi; his sisters, Norlenia (Gene) of Lexington, Mississippi; Janice (Tommy) of Adamsville; and Judy (Jerry) of Savannah; and many nieces and nephews.

Committal service was held on Monday, June 12, at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Newton, Mississippi.

Memorials may be sent to the Lisa Ross Parker Foundation online or to 101 Creekside Crossing, Suite 1700-121-. Brentwood, TN, 373027, or to a charity of choice.

Family reflections by Rev. Jimmy Durham. Honorary pallbearers were Dane Austin, Jay Austin, Charley Boykin, Phil Cohen, Richard Davis, Joel Durham, Tommy Griffin, Ellis Harris, Paul Padgett, Len Ware and Tony Woo.