Bud Higdon Rea Jr.

BUD H. REA, JR died peacefully on March 29, 2017 at 6:20 am at the age of 93 surrounded by loving family members. Predeceased by his parents, daughter; Linda Rea Varnell, brothers; Charles B. and George R. Rea, and sister; Dr. Katharine Rea, he is survived by his caring wife Delores (Dee), his daughter; Donna Allen (Mark), son; Bud “Buddy” H. Rea III (Sandy), and stepdaughters; Karen Bray and Pam Sneden, all of Jacksonville. He and Dee were so very proud of their nine (9) grand, and sixteen (16) great-grandchildren: Jayne Flanagan (Barry) and children, PJ Sanchez (Katie), Robbie Sanchez, Ryan and Lucinda Flanagan of Granger, IN, Gregory J Gluchowski, Jr. (Norma), and children Jonathan, Crystal and Vanessa of Mason, OH and Traci Rea Ivey (Nick), Brandon, Bryan and Katie Rea, Jackie Varnell III (Ashley) and children Emerson and Riley, Jillian Sneden Onessimo (Sean) and children Owen, Autumn, Connor and Adelyn and Joseph Sneden (Nikki) and child Wyatt all of Jacksonville. Also two great-great grandchildren, Cameron and Caliane Sanchez. Also nephews George R Rea, Jr. and Charles E Rea, of Meridian, MS and niece Merry Rea Thomson of Poplarville, MS, and their families; and one cousin Robert Miller, Cleveland, MS, along with many special friends. He and Dee were married for over 38 years and always cherished their blessings of love and pride within their lovable blended family. Born and raised in Meridian, MS, Bud was an honors graduate of Meridian High School and Jr. College class of 1942. Enlisting shortly thereafter in the Army Air Corp, he served as an AAFTTC instructor at various US bases during WWII. He was honorable discharged in December 1945, he returned to Meridian; later attended the Travelers Insurance School in Hartford, worked as an agent and other business pursuits. In 1954, he joined Associates Financial Services for 24 years in management positions in Meridian, Memphis, TN, Atlanta, GA, and South Bend, IN. Transferred to Jacksonville in 1965, elevated to Sr. Vice President of Associates’ seven state Southeast Zone in 1969. In 1978, joined AHLife as Sr. Vice President Credit Dept; and in 1985 employed by Voyager Group as Sr. Vice President – Administration. Upon retiring in 1991, he became a principal in WR Services and Specialty Business Services, Inc. until 1998, then was a consultant with Business Application Systems, Inc. through 2005. A long time communicant at San Jose Episcopal Church, he was also a former member of Mandarin Rotary Club and the River Club; served as a director with national Consumer Credit Insurance Association, and as past president of the regional Credit Insurers Association. He was active in golfing and fitness activities at San Jose CC until 2006. Proud of being known as an outgoing, caring “people-person”, he always relished his association with many dear friends who enhanced his life while working together or knowing them socially and of late also at World Gym in Mandarin. A Gathering of Friends will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 6 in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 7 in San Jose Episcopal Church 7423 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Survivors of Suicide, San Jose Episcopal Church, local Cancer or Heart Fund or charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.