Elijah RHEA

McMinnville resident and Grundy County, TN native Elijah Rhea, age 88, was born October 10, 1923 and died November 7, 2011 at his residence following an extended illness. The retired owner of Rhea Paving, Grundy Limestone, McMinnville Stone and Van Buren Stone, United States Navy veteran of WWII and member of the Church of Christ, he was the son of the late Oscar and Ethel Scott Rhea. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Elma Wooten, Gladys Winton, Vonda Lewis and Lillie Rhea; special aunt, Lena Rhea and three brothers, Aud, Houston and Lawson Rhea. He was married to Sammie Fults Rhea of McMinnville. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Jeff Jansen of Murfreesboro, TN; two sons, Ronnie Rhea and Barry Cole both of McMinnville; son-in-law, Randy Grissom of McMinnville; six grandchildren, Keenan Lee, Lauren Grissom, Benji Grissom, Warner Cole and Mercy and Truth Jansen; two great-grandchildren; special niece, Debbie Keaton; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Joyce and H.B. Scott and Frances and Bill Baker both of McMinnville and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 10, 2011 in High's Chapel with Kevin Deason, Jo Ellen Young and John Davis officiating. Burial followed in the Mt. Zion Cemetery with full military honors administered by the VFW Post 5064 and American Legion Post 173.