Msgt. Thomas Ross "T.R." Rhea, Usaf (Ret.)

Thomas “T.R.” Rhea, 89, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, February 27, 2023.

T.R. was born on March 27, 1933 in Sweetwater, Tennessee to the late Tom and Ethel Smith Rhea. He grew up in Maryville, Tennessee where he graduated from high school in 1952. That same year, he joined the United States Air Force and married the love of his life, the late, Ernestine Wilson. A Korean War Veteran, T.R. faithfully served his country for 23 years before retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. He later received a Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster. Following his military career, T.R. attended Central Georgia Technical College for obtaining his Associate’s Degree in HAVAC training and additional training in Industrial Electricity. He worked in maintenance at Rose Wood Apartments for 10 years then as the Chief Engineer at Holiday Inn of Warner Robins for 12 years before retiring.

During his military career, T.R. was stationed in many locations where he not only served the Lord, but also served as a Deacon and many other leadership positions at First Baptist Church of Mary Ester, Florida, First Baptist Church of Waipahu Oahu, Hawaii, Evergreen Baptist Church of Warner Robins, and most recently at First Baptist Church of Centerville. He truly enjoyed gardening; his vegetables were delicious but he was best known for his beautiful Day Lilies.

His beloved wife of over 64 years, Ernestine Wilson Rhea, and brother, Leon Rhea, preceded him in death.

His memory will forever be treasured by his children, David Rhea (Devonna), Karen Crosson (Dale), grandchildren, Kristy Harper (Jeff), Matthew Crosson (Jessica), Michelle Fuller (Gene), Lisa Lybrand (Chris), Adam Crosson, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home with Rev. Don Feezor officiating. After the service, T.R. will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Thomas Ross “T.R.” Rhea to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 537, Warner Robins, GA 31099, American Heart Association, 5962 Zebulon Road PMB#359, Macon, GA 31210.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with Mr. Rhea’s arrangements.