Gary Dale Rhea

Gary Dale Rhea, 85, of Midland, Texas passed away Saturday, March 5, 2022.

A visitation will be held from 6:00pm-8:00pm, Friday, March 11, 2022, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be 10:00am, Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Bellview Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Gary was born on June 5, 1936, in Jones County, Texas to George Herbert Rhea and Bonnie Dale Bell. A graduate of Ackerly High School, Gary was on the football team and in his senior year he was voted “Football Hero.” He served in the United States Army as a cook where he often joked that all he learned to do was “poison the troops.”  He retired from Merchants Motor Freight and loved driving.  He was absolutely crazy about cars especially anything made by Chevy in the late 50’s and Corvettes.  He was a big NASCAR fan and even converted some of the family into fans. He loved pug dogs and became a good friend with Tigger the cat even though he was not a fan of cats. He had the best sense of humor and when he gave you a smile – he really meant it.

Gary was married to Glenda McCaleb Rhea on June 27, 1960, in Hobbs, New Mexico. He and Glenda were active members at Bellview Baptist Church for over 30 years where he was a servant leader.  Gary served his Bellview Church Family as a long-time Deacon. He served the youth department as a chaperone and bus driver for the summer youth camps.  He served on the Missions Committee and was instrumental in the early formation of the Rio Grande River Ministry for Bellview.  He dearly loved his Bellview Church family and the Bible. Gary knew the Bible like the back of his hand and could quote a Bible verse for every situation. One of his best memories was when he and Glenda visited The Holy Land and were baptized in the Jordan River.

During the last two years, Gary lived with his sister Marcia and family in Lucas, Texas where he weathered the pandemic, a house renovation, two Christmases, and lots of adventures including a trip to Paris (Texas).  We were grateful for the time together and the joy he brought to us.

Gary is survived by his daughter, Yavonne Brandon; granddaughters, Brandy, Tara and Shanda, and great grandchildren, Amaiha, Dillon, Phoenix and Jayden of Las Vegas, Nevada; sister, Marcia Johnson and husband Gary Johnson of Lucas, Texas; brother-in-law Alfred Herren of Ackerly, Texas; nephews, Robert Herren of Austin, Texas, Steve Herren and wife Gay of Big Springs, Texas, and Kevin Johnson of Frankfort, Kentucky, and niece, Delynda Johnson Moravec and husband Kipton of Lucas, Texas; and leaves behind many other beloved extended family members.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, George and Bonnie Rhea, son Richard Dale, daughter Tamara Kay, sister Mozelle Rhea Herren, and his beloved wife of 57 years, Glenda McCaleb Rhea.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Manuel Arellano, James Gary McCaleb, and Pat McDaniel for planning and leading the service and to the Bellview Baptist Church for their support and hospitality.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bellview Baptist Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.