Ernest Rea Jr.

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of the most amazing father and husband, Ernest "OT" Rea Jr., on August 22, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 61 years old. Ernest was born in Alice, TX on August 9, 1952, and was raised in Corpus Christi, TX. He was a 1970 graduate of Moody High School. Ernest met the love of his life, Olivia, in the first grade and married her at Holy Family Church on August 21, 1970. They shared a wonderful 43 years of marriage. Not only was he devoted to his wife and kids, he was also devoted to his career. He remained a loyal employee of AT&T (formerly Southwestern Bell) for 37 years before retiring to fight his battle.

Ernest was the strongest, kindest, most compassionate man anyone could ever know. He touched so many lives. The family would like to thank everyone for their love, support, and prayers that helped them fight through these last two years. Ernest never gave up and fought hard until the end August 22, 2013.

Ernest had a passion for listening to and playing music. He played the French horn for Cunningham Jr. High band and Moody High School band. He also played the bass guitar with various musicians and bands.

Ernest also enjoyed playing, watching and teaching sports. He played softball and baseball for many years. On weekends you would find him at the gym playing basketball or on the golf course playing golf. He especially loved watching his Dallas Cowboys play football, but nothing could top watching and rooting for his favorite golfer, Tiger Woods.

He is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Elodia C. Rea, maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Santos Cavazos, and his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Julian Rea Sr.

Ernest will forever live on through his loving family and friends. He is survived by: his wife, Olivia, daughter; Gena (Wayne Duval); son, Ernest Rea III; father, Ernest Rea Sr.; brother, Ruben (Melinda) Rea; sister, Yolanda (Robert) Davila; brother-in-law, Frutoso (Sylvia) Llanes Jr.; sister-in-law, Yvonne Edwards; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frutoso and Olivia Llanes Sr.; grandchildren, Madison and Peyton Duval; nephews, Aaron (Maria) Rea, Ruben Rea Jr., Damien Llanes, and Rudolph Llanes; nieces, Lisa (Mandy) Cano, Katherine (Mark) Garcia, and Michelle Coats; great-nephew, Dorian Llanes and JJ Zapata; great-nieces, Charlotte Rose, Cassie (Sam) Zapata, Ashley and Alexis Zapata; and finally, one great-great-niece, Leah Zapata. Ernest also made so many life-long friends through his music, sports, and career.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 26, 2013 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Funeraria Del Angel - Memorial Holly, with the praying of the Rosary at 7:00 pm. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 27 at 1:00 pm at Holy Family Church. Services conclude at church.

Honorary pallbearer is Ruben Rea. Pallbearers will include: Frutoso Llanes Jr., Aaron Rea, Ruben Rea Jr., Wayne Duval, Mark Garcia, and Rene Gonzalez.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Ernest Rea Jr.