Rupert William Rea

Services will be held for Rupert William (J.R.) Rea this week at Mission Durado Baptist Church in Odessa, Burial will follow at Andrews County Cemetery.

 

Mr. Rea died Sunday, May 17, 2015 at his home in Odessa with his wife and family by his side.

 

He was born Feb. 21, 1925, the son of Harb and Myrtle Rea in Hope, Arkansas. He graduated from Strawn High School in Strawn, Texas in 1943. 

 

He joined the United States Navy in 1943 during World War II and served in Honolulu, Hawaii until his discharge in 1946. 

He returned to Strawn where he and Dollie Marie Shipp, of Mingus and Strawn, were married on Dec. 28, 1946.

 

He is survived by four sons, Bill (Shirley) of Odessa, Glenn (Carrie) of Cuero, Tommy (Jeri) of Midland and Terry (Patricia) of Andrews. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Kenneth and James Charles, and sister, Donna.

 

Rupert was better known as “J.R.” in high school. He earned all-district football honors and continued to be a strong supporter of his beloved Greyhounds.

 

In 1956 the Rea family moved to Andrews, Texas as he continued his career in the oil fields of West Texas. He retired as a well analyst in Andrews after 50-plus years.

 

He and his family were members of First Baptist Church in Andrews where he served as deacon and was senior deacon for many years.

 

He retired as a well analyst in Andrews after 50-plus years in the West Texas oil-fields.

 

Earlier this year the Rea family and friends helped him celebrate his 90th birthday at party held at Mission Durado Baptist Church in Odessa.

 

Services were under the direction of McNett Funeral Home in Andrews.