HERTFORD – Thomas Edward Rhea, 73, of Hertford passed away Tuesday, January 22, 2013 in his son’s home in Grandy.

Mr. Rhea was born in Bertie County and was the son of the late Allen Edward and Hazel Jernigan Rhea.

A retired sheriff’s deputy from the Hertford County Sheriff’s Department after 31 years of service, he was a veteran of the US Army.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Terry Rhea

Surviving are his son, Thomas Edward Rhea II of Grandy; a daughter, Tammy Elizabeth Rhea of Manteo; a sister, Peggy R. Castelloe of Windsor; a brother, Tony M. Rhea of Ahoskie; and two grandchildren, Thomas Edward Rhea III and Tyler Allen Rhea.

A memorial service will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, by the Rev. George M. Terry.  Friends may join the family in the funeral home immediately following the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to any chapter of the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.