Rest in Peace

David Frank Rea

MARCH 25, 1940 – DECEMBER 13, 2025

Mr. David Frank Rea, 85, of Gastonia and formerly of Cary, NC, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Morningside of Gastonia with his family by his side. He was born March 25, 1940, in Mecklenburg County, NC, the fourth of five children to the late Erskine Morris and Willie Genevieve (Millen) Rea.

Frank graduated from East Meck High School and attended Erskine College before he joined the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, serving honorably for four years. He found his passion as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service where he served for 25 years, retiring in 1992. Beyond work he was honored to serve as a driver for the American Legion-Post 67 Baseball team and monthly he volunteered serving veterans at Durham VA. In retirement Frank volunteered for With Love for Jesus, the USO and other veteran related programs. He enjoyed driving in his 2nd and 3rd careers transporting for the Wake County School System and Glenaire Retirement Community. He was a member of White Plains United Methodist Church in Cary where he served the Lord by singing in the choir for 50 years, sold Christmas Trees and looked forward to making biscuits in the church booth at the NC State Fair every year. In the Searchers Sunday School Class, he enjoyed spiritual connection and outreach. As an advocate and supporter of veterans, Frank was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 67, a charter member of the Cary Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and member of the National Association of Letter Carriers.

Frank and Judy loved their travels beginning their life together in Alaska then continued to travel throughout the US as well as Australia, New Zealand, Figi, Greece, Nova Scotia, England, and Scotland. Camp Don Lee Family Camp week became their summer vacation when the girls were little, bringing along cousins, then continuing to go well into their 70’s with a great nephew.

Frank was a loving, kind and thoughtful husband, father, grandfather, and friend and was always looking out for others with his sweet smile and a salute. He was known to be a reliable helping hand, his daughters’ greatest cheerleader and loved being a grandfather.

Frank is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Judith Berry Rea; daughter, Laura Rea Farmer and husband Mark, all of Gastonia, NC; daughter, Amy Rea of Fort Mill, SC; sister, Helen Rea of Fort Mill, SC; grandchildren, Brayden Farmer; Kyla Farmer and fiancé Caleb Monroe; Nicholas Krise; David Krise; numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Frank will be held Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 1:00 pm at White Plains United Methodist Church, 313 S.E. Maynard Rd. Cary, NC with Military Rites by the US Air Force. A reception will follow the service in the Family Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Searchers Class at White Plains United Methodist Church, 313 S.E. Maynard Rd. Cary, NC 27511, www.wpumc.com or American Legion-Cary Post 67 Chaplain Fund, 8523 Chapel Hill Road, Cary, NC 27513 or Don Lee Camp & Retreat Center, 315 Camp Don Lee Road, Arapahoe, NC 28510, www.donleecenter.org.

Condolence messages may be shared at www.McLeanFuneral.com.

McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is honored to serve the family of Mr. Rea.

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