Jack Murphy Lea

He was born October 29, 1928 to the late Joseph Hampton Lea, Sr. and Julia Pearl Russ.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers J. Hampton Lea, Jr., Albert O. Lea, and Bert Lea, Sr.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jean Wood Lea, his nephew and business partner for 43 years, Bert Lea, Jr. (Barbara); his office manager for 31 years, Linda C. Rouleau; three nieces, Judy Lea Lane (Charlie), Dorothy Lea Medlin (Ty), and Carolyn Lea; nephews Albert Lea, Jr., John H. Lea, and many great and great-great nieces, nephews and cousins.

After his time served with the US Army in the Korean War, Jack came back home to Hampstead. Jack and his brother, Bert Lea Sr., took over their father’s business, J.H. Lea & Sons Inc. where he worked endlessly until his retirement in December, 2008.

He was a Master Mason of the Orient Lodge #395 for 68 years and was awarded a lifetime membership. He received his 32 Degree Scottish Rite and became a member of the Wilmington (Arab) Shrine Club for 66 years and a member of the Royal Order of Jesters. Jack recently received the Shriners Imperial Potentate’s Medallion Award. He was also a member of the BPO Elks #532 and many other organizations.

Jack’s genuine love and appreciation for family and community was always evident in his generosity for someone in need. He encouraged many young people by offering rewards for improved grades or stopping bad habits. He gave from his heart to help bring out the best in people.

The family will receive friends from 11am-12:30pm at Andrews Mortuary, Hampstead Chapel on Thursday, December 21, 2017, followed by a graveside service at 1pm in the Hampstead United Methodist Cemetery, located at 14840 Highway 17, Hampstead.

Pallbearers for the graveside service will be James Tyer, Gregory Edens, Jerry Edens, Jr., Preston King, Gary Lea, and Dr. Joseph Barnes.

The family would like to thank all his doctors for their care, especially his friend, Dr. James Snyder.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make a donation to the charity of your choice or to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, located at 403 East Front Street, New Bern, NC, 28560-4916.