Watson Peoples Rea

Watson Peoples Rea, 88, of Matthews, NC, died July 12, 2018. Born February 17, 1930 in Mecklenburg County, he was the son of Zeb Milton, Sr. and Nancy Eubank Rea. Watson lived and raised his family on the farm where he was born.

He was a beloved and unassuming man blessed with a powerful body, a remarkable work ethic and a strong sense of responsibility. His family and friends were blessed with his joy for life, his deep love, and his willingness to help others. A lifelong member of Providence Presbyterian Church, Watson’s faith in God was of great comfort and service to his church was a priority as a Deacon, an Elder and on the Cemetery Committee. He enjoyed working with Boy Scouts, playing volleyball, traveling with his wife and their square dancing club and was an active member of Providence Volunteer Fire Department for over 40 years.

Before a career ending stroke in 2003, he was a profoundly gifted machine operator, spending most of his working years in business with his brothers at Rea Brothers, Inc. and later with his son at Rea General Contractors. He loved babies and children, had great patience teaching nieces, nephews and friends of his children to water ski. He had very little tolerance for laziness on the job.

Survivors include his children, Watson Michael Rea (Julie) of Catawba, SC, and Cathy Rea Rhodes (Lee) of Greensboro, GA; grandchildren, Jake Rea (Courtney), Mary Rea, Wylie Rea, Grace Rea, Sloan Dobrin (Ryan), and Chance Rhodes (Kara); and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Zeb, Tom, Willie, John, and Ralph; sisters Virginia Huntley, Raleigh, Betsy Blankenship, Pineville, Judy Hucks, Lancaster, SC and numerous nieces and nephews.

Watson was preceded in death by Nancy Sloan Rea, his wife of 62 years; children David Allan Rea and Stephen Eugene Rea; his parents Zeb M. and Nancy Eubank Rea; and a brother H. G. L. Rea, II.

The family would like to thank Plantation Estates, where Watson and Nancy were residents since 2005, for their care over the past years and especially caregivers Daniel Bartlett, Carolyn Love, and Nan Chandler.

Visitation will be held at McEwen Pineville Chapel, on Friday July 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and the memorial service at Providence Presbyterian Church on Saturday July 21 at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to Providence Presbyterian Church, David A. Rea Scholarship Fund, 10140 Providence Church Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277 or a charity of the donor’s choice.