Fred Rea

LAFAYETTE - Frederick “Fred” Wardlaw Rea, 84, went home to be with his Lord while at home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.

Fred was born on July 21, 1937, and was a son of the late Robert Rea, Sr. and Sibyl Wardlaw Rea. He was a native of LaFayette and a graduate of the LaFayette High School class of 1955. After high school, Fred attended the University of Georgia where he received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees. He served his country as a veteran of the US Army Reserves. Fred retired from education with 30 years’ experience as both a teacher and principal within the Walker County school system. He was greatly involved in the family-owned Rea’s Florist of LaFayette. Fred was a dedicated, lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of LaFayette.

Mr. Rea was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert (Bobby) Rea, Jr.; and brother-in-law, Don Hammontree.

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Ellen Chandler Rea; sister, Jeanne Hammontree; nieces and nephews, Donna and Jimmy Henry, LouRea Underwood, Scott Underwood; great-nieces and nephews, Megan and Robert Boatwright, Ashley Henry, Lance Underwood, Clayton Underwood; great-great-nephew, Colton Boatwright; and cousins, Anna Paul Frederick and Mary Raines.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022, in the Wilbanks Memorial Chapel, officiated by Dr. Derrick Fielder of First Baptist Church of LaFayette.

Pallbearers will be the nephews of Mr. Rea.

Honorary pallbearers are Michael Barfield, Ret. Colonel Daryl Brooks, Ellis (Bud) Chapman, Don Powell, Jim Powelson, and Donnie Smith.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 1 p.m. until service hour.

Donations in Mr. Rea’s honor can be made to First Baptist Church of LaFayette.

Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.