Tull Gordon Rea Jr. was born May 19, 1933. He passed away on April 5, 2024.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tull Gordon Rea Sr. and Jessie Preston Rea, and infant
grandson Gerad Derrick Rea.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, LaVonne Davis Rea and:
Sons: Tull Gordon III & wife Theresa, Geoffrey Davis, and Thomas Lyle.
Grandchildren: Tull Gordon IV, Todd Geoffrey, Tracey Gayle & husband Aaron Eiland, Terri Gwen, Chelsea Lauren, Alison Paige, Chance Devin, Kristin Elizabeth Rea-Jones & husband Keith Jones,
Thomas Wesley, Nicholas Kenneth.
Great Grandchildren: Phoenix, Preston Gabriel Eiland, Lily Ann Eiland, Henry Howell Turner,
Zion Alexander Day-Rea, Murdoch Nolan Jones
Tull Sr.’s career with American Airlines took Gordon’s family to Washington D.C., Detroit, Chicago, and 6 years in Mexico City, to open American Airlines de Mexico, where Gordon fell in love with the Mexican culture and became fluent in Spanish. (This led to one of his favorite pastimes, frequenting Mexico City style restaurants, spawning long lasting relationships with many owners, chefs, and wait staffs of some of the most popular and best restaurants in the DFW metroplex.)
The family moved back to Dallas. Gordon graduated from Sunset HS in 1950, then attended SMU, becoming a member of the Mustang Club and a proud supporter of his beloved SMU Mustangs.
Gordon met LaVonne while they were both working at Jas K Wilson downtown.
They married July 24, 1954. After serving in the U.S. Army, they moved back to Dallas settling in Oak Cliff. They joined the Homemakers class at Kessler Park Methodist Church where they met many dear lifelong friends. Gordon led several trips to Mexico City with friends and family who all enjoyed having their own personal “tour guide”.
Gordon’s work career began with Texas Aircraft Milling, then with Florence Miller Cosmetic Company and 3M Riker Labs. While working for The Dallas Convention Bureau, Gordon was heavily involved building, booking, and opening Reunion Arena. He went to work for Stevens Park Osteopathic Hospital and remained with the Hospital through 4 name and regime changes retiring in 2000 from Dallas Family Hospital.
Gordon and LaVonne both retired in 2000 and enjoyed travelling, visiting longtime friends in the Texas Hill Country; Leuvin, Belgium; and making many new friends in Ruidoso, and Alto, New Mexico where Gordon, ever the avid golfer, could enjoy his favorite pastime with new friends and SMU buddies.
They were longtime members of Alto Lakes Golf & Country Club, where they enjoyed the mountain atmosphere of pinon pine trees and majestic views, and entertaining family and friends in their “Little House in the Big Woods.”
Throughout his life, Gordon was a very talented singer/performer.
After joining the Oak Cliff Lions Club, he met pianist Marion Snider. They performed together in Lions
Club shows and became the Official Song Leaders for Lions International, performing all over the
world. This earned them both Lionism’s highest award, Ambassador of Goodwill.
He sang for many weddings and funerals in Oak Cliff and the surrounding metroplex.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Kessler Park United Methodist Church
Dallas Oak Cliff Lions Club
1215 Turner Ave.
Dallas TX 75208
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