William James Rea

William James Rea, 87, of Lynchburg and formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, died, Saturday, July 6, 2013, at The Summit Rehabilitation Center. He was the beloved husband of 36 years to Lorraine Bach Rea. Born August 14, 1925, in Baden, PA, he was the son of the late William Ross Rea and the late Sylvia Earhart Rea.

Mr. Rea graduated from Cornell University in 1948, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then retired from Westinghouse Corporation, where he was employed for over 30 years, as a nuclear engineer. He was a member of Forest Presbyterian Church, which he sang in the choir for several years. He was also a volunteer at Poplar Forest for many years, and he was also a master gardener in the Bedford extension office.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Rea was preceded in death by his siblings, Betty Rittleman and Frances Bruss.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Rea is survived by his children, Cynthia Nix (Clint) of Ecuador, Jeffrey Rea (Linda) of Albuquerque, NM, Cheryl Rea Brigham (Marcus) of Ecuador and William J. Rea, Jr. (Nikki) of Snohomish, WA; six grandchildren, Lea Rea, Ashley Rea, Jayce Rea, Chelise McDonald, Dustin McDonald and Ivan Brigham; and five great-grandchildren, Melanie Lopez, Austin Lopez, Dustin McDonald, Jr., Melanie McDonald and Jonathan James McDonald.

A memorial service will be conducted, 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2013, at Forest Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Morgan Whitfield officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at a luncheon provided by the church.

Memorial contributions and flowers may be made to Forest Presbyterian Church.