Thomas Edward Rhea Jr.

Born in Memphis, TN on January 21, 1945, he was the son of the late Dr. Thomas Edward Rhea Sr. and Linnette Card Rhea.

He was a 22 year veteran of the United States Navy and was a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Hickory.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his infant sister Katherine Rhea, and his brother George Rhea.

He is survived by his wife Kathryn Yount Rhea of the home; his son Thomas Edward Rhea III and wife Eve of Virginia Beach, VA; grandson Preston Rhea of Virginia Beach, VA; his daughter Linnette Vollmer of Washington; granddaughters Avery Vollmer and Sophia Vollmer both of Washington; step-sons Jacob Q. White (Megan) of Summerville, SC and Joseph P. White (Le Anne) of Gaston, SC; step daughter-in-law Cindy Brittain White of Morganton; step grandchildren Abby Brittain, Elijah White, Samuel White, Amaris White, Atticus White, and Avienda White; brothers and sisters, Sarah White (Robert) of Doweltown, TN, Richard Rhea (Lanney) of Little Rock, OK, Herbert Rhea(Nellie) of Bixby, OK , Allene Grimes of Idabel, Ok , and Rev. Robert Rhea MD (Lisa) of Smyrna, TN.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Hickory Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 11:00 am at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Hickory with Rev. Dr. Ryan T. Ray officiating.

Burial will follow in church cemetery with military honors.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741,

Mt. Olive Lutheran Church 2780 N Center Street, Hickory, NC 28601, or

Wounded Warrior Project, , P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Special thank you to Carolina Caring, especially Niki, Brittany, Brittany, and Chaka for their kindness and loving treatment.