James Lyle Rea "Handsome Jim Rea"

James (Jim) Lyle Rea, age 94, passed away on January 20, 2024 at Town Hall Estates in Whitney, Texas. Visitation will be held at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 16, 2024, at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors in Whitney, Texas. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Marshall and Marshall.

Jim was born on April 23, 1929 in Blackwell, Oklahoma to his parents, James Matthew Rea and Alice Sue (Long) Rea. He grew up in Hoisington, Kansas and moved to Texas in 1946. Jim started in the Water Well business with his dad in 1952,He owned numerous Water Well businesses throughout West, Texas, before moving to Whitney in 1983, where he owned and operated Rea Pump and Well Service. He married the love of his life, La Donna Ann (Rogers) Rea on August 28, 1995, in Cleburne, Texas. Jim started working at the age of 5 and never stopped until he reached 87. His true calling was providing people with water. Jim attended Ft. Graham Baptist Church, he loved the Lord, his family, and working with all of his heart. Jim never met a stranger. We have always said Jim is a true legend, he is loved and will be missed by all.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, James Matthew Rea and Alice Sue (Long) Rea; son, Michael Don Rea; 5 siblings, Wanda, Donna, Joann, Myrna, and Dick.

He is survived by the love of his life, La Donna Ann (Rogers) Rea; sister, Marilyn Smith of Abilene; daughters, Linda Rea Van Dyke and spouse Pam Van Dyke of Colleyville, Pam Gist of Bedford, Jaime Hughes and husband David of Grapevine, and Tami Armstrong; Son, James Ronald Rea of Lewisville; daughter-in-law, Kathy Rea of Abilene; 8 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild with another on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to: Wings of Texas Hospice: 205 S Caddo St Suite 100 Cleburne TX 76031, (817) 774-9154.