Jesse Floyd Lea Sr.

Jesse Floyd Lea, Sr. 90, of Wilmington, died Saturday, February 08, 2014 at home. Born in Hampstead, NC, he was one of 12 children to the late James Furney Lea and Clara Sellers Lea. He was the beloved husband of Jacqueline Batts Lea for 64 years.

Mr. Lea retired from the seafood business in 1986. He was a member of: Ogden Baptist Church; the Arab Shrine Club, joining in 1971, of which he participated in the Drum & Bugle Corps; Pender County Shrine Club; 32nd Degree Mason; Charter and Lifetime Member of Supper Optimist Club; and a member of the Kiwanis International. He loved life, family, friends, being on the water, singing and playing his guitar, dancing and taking pictures.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his loving children; Jesse Floyd Lea, Jr. (Joanne), Kenneth Dale Lea, and Connie Lea Williams (Norwood). He was the cherished grandfather of Keri Gore, Joshua Lea, Mollie Lea, Carson Seitter, Jacob Lea, and Ashley Williams and great grandfather of seven.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 10, 2014 at 1pm followed by a service at 2pm in Hampstead United Methodist Church, 15395 US HWY 17N., Hampstead, NC. Burial will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens, Wilmington. In lieu of flowers donations to Shriner’s Childrens Hospital or Ogden Baptist Church, 7121 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28411. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.coblewardsmithwilmington.com

The staff of Coble Ward-Smith is honored to serve the family of Jesse Floyd Lea, Sr.