Merrian Harris Rea

On the early morning of March 20, 2025, at the age of 89, Merrian Harris Rea shut his eyes here on earth to opening them in heaven and seeing his Lord and Savior, Jesus. His wife, Barbara J Rea, whom he married on June 22, 1956, is left to cherish nearly 69 years of the life they created together. A native of Edenton, NC, Merrian was the son of the late William Harris and Virginia Pearline Rea. Being the last of his siblings to be living, he was preceded in death by Virginia, Frank, Allen, Earl, Dikie, Carl, Lou Ella, and Jimmy. Sadly, he was also preceded in death by his first-born son, Stephen Merrian Rea (1959-2005) whom he spoke of often, especially in these last couple of years. Left to carry on his memory are his children, Vicki (Albert) Yerby, Dean (Carol) Rea, Kenneth (Ruby) Rea, Karen (Billy) Culpepper, and Jerri Milsteen. His seven grandchildren, Annie (Ryan) Arooji, Kera Rea, Brittany (Calvin) Owen, Turner (Michelle) Culpepper, Grayson Culpepper, Dale Milsteen, and Erissa Milsteen. Five great grandchildren, Collin Carlson, Orin LeMaster, Lily LeMaster, Orson Owen, and Iris Owen, and Many nieces and nephews who knew him as “Uncle Tootie”. Merrian, known as “Howdy” on the job, was a master artist when it came to lumber. What others saw as just a simple piece of wood; it became something beautiful when touched by his hands. He built many homes, churches, furniture and so much more, however, the most cherished are tables, shelves, bookcases, doll house, crib, and toys that he lovingly made for his children and grandchildren throughout the years. In retirement besides wood projects, he loved to tinker with repairing lawn mowers and other yard equipment for friends and family. Most importantly, Merrian was a faithful servant to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was among the many men that came together and prayed over the planning and building of Faith Baptist Church in the Western Branch area of Chesapeake. He was a faithful worker and servant to his church, Pastor, and his beloved church family. He gave of his body and soul when he along with his brother, Allen, built the church and its surrounding buildings for which he also loved helping to maintain throughout the years. A Celebration of Life in honor of Merrian will be held at Crossroads Church 5809 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23701 on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 12 noon Our family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude to Sentara Hospice for the outstanding care not just to Merrian, but also for the care you extended to our family during this most difficult time. Also, a special thanks to Loving Funeral Home for the compassion and kindness you showed to our family. In lieu of flowers, please make online gifts in memory of Merrian, online to the Dementia Society of America http://www.DementiaSociety.org/donate If you prefer mail in you can send to: Dementia Society of America PO Box 600 Doylestown, PA 18901