Thomas White Rea, age 80, of Jacksonville, Arkansas passed from this life on April 22, 2025. He was born in Rogers, Arkansas on June 28, 1944 to Walter White and Margaret Clawson White.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his adopted mother Monelle Clawson Rea; his brother-in law Johnny Smith and wife Vera; sister-in-law Lucille Smith; and his niece Susie Smith Byrd.
He is survived by his wife Jean Rea; his son Thomas Wayne Rea; his daughter Michelle Rea Hatfield and spouse James; his brother Jim White and spouse Lynette; his brother-in-law Charley Smith; nephews Terry Smith, Jerry Smith (Ruthie), Glen Smith (Melissa), Barry Byrd; nieces Donna Smith Aven (Butch), Mary Smith Riley (Dennis), Lynne Smith Klinger (Paul); and extended family and friends.
Tommy worked for Little Rock Parks and Recreation for 30 years before retiring. He later worked for PCSSD for several years and retired again.
He was an active member of Military Road Baptist Church in which he served faithfully in various ways.
He retired as a Lt. Colonel from Civil Air Patrol after 20+ years of dedicated service within the Arkansas Wing. During his service he earned a number awards, certificates of achievement, held ratings in both aviation and ground search and rescue operations. He was most proud to serve as the director of Emergency Services for the Arkansas Wing.
Tommy loved outdoor activities such as camping and fishing and traveling. He was a fan of planes and trains.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm in the chapel at A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Graveside service will follow on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 1:00pm at Johnson Cemetery in Wynne.
In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Military Road Baptist Church (PO Box 145 Jacksonville, AR 72078) or Civil Air Patrol (gocivilairpatrol.com)
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
8 Comments
My brother in Christ is already missed. I was blessed to call him my friend.
Prayers for the family.
Chris, thank you for your prayers. Tommy highly respected you and considered you to be his close good friend. Jean
Ecclesiastes 3:2.
Bro. Don and Sue, thank you for the Bible scripture.
My condolences for your loss. Tommy was a great neighbor for more than 40 years. Prayers for Jean, Wayne and Michelle as you navigate this life without your husband and dad.
Teresa, thank you for post. You have brought back sweet memories of our children playing together.
Was so sorry to hear about Tommy’s passing. Such great memories of our 30 years together working for the parks department. Wished we could have stayed in touch after he left the city. I always thought of him every time I’d drive by that church in Park Hill that bought his Moms house. Also shared some rent house stories before he finally sold it.. He also pops into my mind every time I head over to Rosies Pot and Kettle for breakfast and drive by the Civil Air Patrol Headquarters. Not sure if they are still active or not. Condolences to Jean, Wayne and Michelle.
Jim, thank you for sharing your memories with us. Tommy always spoke well of you and enjoyed working with you. He always liked working outside in the parks except when it was 100+ or 40 below. He is so painfully missed now by his family..
Sign Guestbook