David William Rea

David William Rea, 64, of Arapahoe, moved to heaven peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 14, 2021.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Angela Brinson Rea, two loving daughters, Laura Rea Doxey and Rebecca Rea Myers, and two sons-in-law, Ryan Doxey and Taylor Myers, loved by David as sons.  His precious grandchildren are Lila Doxey, Luke Doxey, Paige Myers, and Nolan Myers.  He is also survived by two sisters, Reita Rea, Dr. Mary B. Rea-Poteat and husband Phil, and two brothers, Kyle Rea, and Phil Rea and wife Kerry.  He is survived as well by many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved dearly.

He was born on August 31, 1956.  He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, James and Dorothy Rea.

David attended Oriental United Methodist Church during his childhood and was then a faithful member of Amity Christian Church for over 41 years.  He served as an elder of the church and taught the children’s preschool and primary Sunday School classes for many years.  He also taught the adult Sunday School class on a rotating basis for several years.  He loved his church and loved being a servant of the Lord.

David graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.  Prior to that, he graduated from Louisburg College in 1976 with an Associate of Arts Degree and from Pamlico County High School in 1974.  Upon graduating from college, David served as Director of the Pamlico County Recreation Department and later as a banker with Wachovia Bank.  In 1982, he began his 30-year career as an insurance agent with North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance in both Pamlico County and Carteret County.  He thoroughly enjoyed all of his years of work and the people with whom he worked. He treasured the lasting friendships that developed over the years, whether they began on softball fields, in offices, or in the homes of his Farm Bureau clients.

Throughout his life, David loved participating in sports or, as he would say, “playing ball.”  He has always been remembered as a great Little League pitcher and while he continued to play organized sports during his school years, he especially loved the pick-up football games and basketball games with friends that moved from yard to yard or gym to gym on Sunday afternoons and in the evenings.  Some of his friends called him “Pistol Pete” on the basketball court, a nickname he never felt he deserved, but enjoyed all the same!  He played a little tennis in high school and played on the Louisburg College tennis team during his sophomore year.  He became very interested in golf during his college years and that became his lifelong sport.  He introduced some of his childhood friends to golf, hoping they would love it as he did, so they could continue to “play ball” together and that is exactly what happened.  Even when he was no longer able to play, he loved hearing about their games -- shot by shot, hole by hole -- and was always so happy for them when everything came together for them during a round of golf.

David’s greatest joy came from loving, providing for, and spending time with his family.  He instinctively knew how to be an attentive husband and father because he found it easy to take the time to totally focus on and enjoy even the simplest things with his girls, never rushing to move on to something else, and always putting their needs above his own.  He found quiet little ways to make their lives comfortable and happy, faithfully took on daily parenting tasks, and somehow turned everything into fun. He packed school lunches every morning year after year, coached his girls’ basketball and softball teams, went on field trips, and spent time every day simply playing with them, talking to them, and involving them in whatever he was doing.

Friends and family all know David as full of fun, steady, patient, calm, and faithful.  The joy and love that he brought into our lives will forever be with us.

A private burial will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, January 17 at Amity Christian Church Cemetery.  There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date, either online or when we can gather safely in person.

Donations may be made to: Hospice of Pamlico PO Box 6, Bayboro, NC 28515; Heartworks PO Box 365, Bayboro NC 28515; Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center Duke University Medical Center DUMC Box 3624, Durham, NC  27710; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.