Michael Lynn Rhea

MICHAEL LYNN RHEA, age 83, of Maryville, TN passed away peacefully on November 12, 2021 at Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans Home. Michael graduated from Fulton High School where he played center on the football team and was offered a scholarship at Carson Newman College. He was a staff sergeant in the Air National Guard and served overseas in Germany. He later worked for Norfolk Southern Railroad and retired after 33 years of service. Michael always loved to hunt, fish and work on old cars. His pride and joy was his 1940 Ford 3-Window Coupe that he fully restored. He was a Mason and has been a member of Blue Lodge #244 F&AM for over 50 years. Michael was the first resident to move into Clover Hill Senior Living when it opened in February of 2016. Preceded in death by his wife, Rosa Lee Rhea; daughter, Julie Karnes; parents, Jack L. and Ann Spencer Rhea. He is survived by his daughter, Teresa Merritt (Mark); son, David Rhea (Tina); son-in-law, Mike Karnes; sister, Nancy Rhea; brother, Richard Rhea (Sheila); grandchildren, Les and Jaqui Trotman, Craig and Elizabeth Koehler, Stephanie and Martin Brown; great-grandchildren, Eva, Hannah, Levi, Edward, Emma, Evelyn Ann, Elliot; brother-in law, Wayne Lockett; good friend and mother of his children, Carolyn Lane. MIlitary graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery with VFW Post #5266 officiating. Special thanks to the Clover Hill staff and Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans Home staff for their special care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to TN Wildlife Resources at 5000 Linbar Drive, Ste 275, Nashville, TN 37211, or online at TN Wildlife Resources Foundation.

Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, TN 865-475-3892
www.farrarfuneralhome.com