Bill Allen Rhea

He was born on July 21, 1928, a son of the late Ernest A. and Josephine Houk Rhea.

During WWII, PFC Rhea served in the United States Air Force from 1945-1948 as an automotive equipment operator with the 150 1st Motor Vehicle Squadron. He was awarded the citation WWII Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Clasp. After the War, he served in the Air Force Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1957. He was employed by Lakeshore Mental Health Institute for thirty years, and retired from there. However, it was his experience as an Air Force mechanic that influenced his path the most. He had a natural gift to repair almost anything, from go-carts, to radios and televisions, to washers and dryers. His skills were unmatched. He was happiest when he was in his garage tinkering with any item one of his friends had asked him to repair.

He loved traditional country music, and one of his favorite things to do in his later years was to listen to the radio broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday nights. He was partial to George Jones, Freddie Hart, Charley Pride, and Loretta Lynn. He didn't think much of the newer singers, but that didn't keep him from listening.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Doyle Rhea, and a granddaughter, Mandy Harrell.

He is survived by his daughter, Betsy Harrell and her husband, David; two sons, Larry Rhea and his wife, Shirley and Jeffrey Rhea and his wife, Angela; grandchildren, Stuart Rhea, Stacie Poe and her husband, Jason, Matthew Harrell and his wife, Caroline, and Nick Rhea (Savannah Campbell) and several great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to Addus Healthcare. Thanks to Polly Memminger for her expertise in scheduling the right person for Mr. Bill, as they called him. MeCee Bryson was definitely his person. Thank you for your loving care of Daddy. Special thanks to The Blind Rehabilitation Unit at the VA. Glenn Benson was always quick to call with additional resources to help him continue to live independently. Then, Genevieve Coker actually came to his home to teach him how to use his newest gadget.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00am, Monday, June 13, 2022 at Greenwood Cemetery, Knoxville.

Daddy loved his dogs, especially his sweet Lexi. She has been his constant protector and companion for the last several years, but truly, all dogs loved him. With that in mind, we would like to ask that in lieu of flowers a donation can be made to: That’s What Friends Are For, Inc. P.O. Box 9490 Augusta, GA 30906 or to www.thatswhatfriendsarefor.org