As the son of Charlie Rhea, who passed away, and Georgie (Taylor) Rhea, who also passed away, he was born on December 10, 1944 in Saltville, Virginia. In the city of Rock Falls, Illinois, on June 8, 1968, he tied the knot with Karen Simmons. She is able to survive.
Buddy was a member of the United States Army and worked for the phone company as an outside plant supervisor. He also served his country on the battlefield. Fishing, listening to bluegrass and old country music, and watching sports, particularly the Bears and Badgers, were some of his favourite activities.
Buddy was capable at repairing anything, from automobiles to electric appliances, and he remodelled the kitchens and bathrooms in all of his children’s homes in addition to his own. He was a man of strong convictions, which he was not afraid to express, and he had a laugh that was instantly recognisable and infectious.
Above all else, he cherished the time he got to spend with his family and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Karen Rhea; children, Deb (Rick) Clark, Mike (Jen) Rhea and Melissa Berna; grandchildren, Brianna Pierce, Kelsey (Stephen) Zemke, Cole Clark.
Caitlyn Rhea, Anthony Berna, Camryn Clark, Noah Rhea and Cael Clark; great-grandchildren, Xavier, Ava, Xander, Liam and Avaya; siblings, Betty Maloyd, Frances (Stuart) Robbins, Brenda Amstein, Roger Rhea, Ben (Wanda) Rhea, Oscar (Melinda) Rhea, Mike (Tammy) Rhea, Rick Rhea and Smitty (Rita) Rhea; mother-in-law, Marvel Simmons; many other relatives and friends.
A granddaughter named Morgan Clark, a sister named Shirley Lawrence, two brothers named Ralph and Tim Rhea, and his father-in-law, Keith Simmons, all passed away before him. His parents were also among those who came before him.
