Bro. Michael James Rea, Sr.

Funeral services for Bro. Michael James Rea, Sr., 63, of Lufkin will be held Friday, June 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Kevin Gentry of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Bro. Michael James Rea, Sr. was born January 29, 1961 to Robert Harold Rea and Evelyn Shirley (Thomas) Rea at Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital in North Carolina. He passed away Monday, May 27, 2024 in a local hospital.

Bro. Rea graduated in 1979 from Woden ISD. He entered into the U.S. Air Force shortly after graduation, transitioning to the U.S. Army later in his career, serving his country honorably. During his multiple years of service, he achieved the rank of E-7 Master Sergeant. While serving his country he received his bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Illinois. After the military he worked as a field service engineer for Lufkin Industries, as well as working for the State of Texas prior to his retirement in 2015. During all this he became an ordained minister August 30, 1998 at Melrose Baptist Church, serving in numerous churches in Nacogdoches and Angelina Counties through the years. He was an active member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Maydelle, Texas at the time of his passing, a devout follower of God.

Bro. Rea loved the outdoors, fishing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He would light up a room with a smile, always knew how to make people laugh, and could spark a pleasant conversation with anyone he met. He would always help anyone who needed it without hesitation, many times putting others before himself. He was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his first granddaughter, Sabrina, in July.

He is survived by his wife, Nicole Foley-Curls of Lufkin; son, Michael Rea, Jr. and wife Kayla of Rochester, New York; daughter, Kimberlee Rea of Nacogdoches; daughter, Heather Paige Putnam and husband Travis of Huntington; son, Michael A.D. Foley and wife Brittany of Lufkin; daughter, Kimberly Lauderdale and husband Clayton of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Bro. Rea is also survived by his former wife, Theresa Whatley of Nacogdoches; brother-in-law, Jerry Foley and wife Kim of Cadet, Missouri; mother-in-law, Ollie Foley of Lufkin; brother, Richard Rea and wife Donna of Humble; and several nieces, nephews and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn; father, Robert; and stepfather, Herman C. Irvine.

The pallbearers are Wayne Elledge, Mike Love, Lonnie Smith, Chris Rea, Travis Putnam, and Michael Foley.

Honorary pallbearers are Dennis Taylor, Quinten Rea, Zack Allen, Bruce Thomas, and Dewey Foreman.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.