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AHOSKIE – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Horace Floyd Rhea, lovingly known as “Teny,” who peacefully departed this world on March 10, 2024. Horace was born on November 27, 1933, in Bertie County.

Horace, at the age of 90, left behind a legacy of service and dedication. He served his country with honor, being a US Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict and a US Air Force Veteran of the Vietnam War, retiring after 24 years of faithful service. Notably, Horace worked as an Air Frame Repair Technician for the Air Force and was also retired from Roanoke Chowan Hospital maintenance. His commitment to excellence was recognized when he performed maintenance on Air Force One and received an accommodation from President Lyndon B. Johnson for his outstanding work. Horace’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May he rest in eternal peace.

Horace was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Macie Dunning Rhea; his father, William C Ray; his mother, Lottie Mae Ray; his son, Danny Floyd Rhea; his sister, Alice Virginia Sumner; his brother, William “Bud” Ray; and stepson, Jack Casper. He leaves behind cherished memories with his surviving family, including his daughter, Barbara Tripp of Aulander, NC; brother, Charles Turner Ray (Myra) of Ahoskie, NC; grandson, Jason Tripp (Sarah) of Windsor, NC; granddaughter, Erika Rhea of Creswell, NC; two great-granddaughters, Alyvia Akkerman of Aulander and Charlie Marie Rhea of Creswell, NC; great-grandson, Weston Tripp of Windsor, NC; two stepdaughters, Joann Harrell (Jesse) of Grifton, NC and Sandra Kay Parker of Ahoskie; stepson, Steve Casper (Sally) of NV; step-grandson, Jacob Parker (Candy) of Millennium; and step-grandson Brian Parker of Ahoskie.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses at RCH and Gentiva Hospice for their exceptional care during Horace’s final days.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Garrett Sykes Funeral Service in Ahoskie. The celebration of life funeral service will take place on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Garrett Sykes Funeral Service, with Rev. Greg Hurdle officiating. The burial will follow in Ahoskie Cemetery and the US Air Force will provide Military Honors as a tribute to Horace’s service.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions in memory of Horace Rhea may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at P.O. Box 758541, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or you may donate online by visiting tmcfunding.com, search fund/ type- Horace Rhea.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Rhea family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.