William L. "Uncle Will" Rhea

October 12, 1946 - March 31, 2019

William L. "Uncle Will" Rhea October 1946 - March 2019 CSM William L. Rhea peacefully entered the Joy of the Lord on Sunday, March 31, 2019 in Killeen, TX. William was born Columbus Day 1946 to Madia Vember Callahan and Christopher Columbus Rhea, Sr., the seventh child and second boy of eight children. He grew up in the Johnson City, TN Carnegie community where he attended and graduated from Douglas Elementary School. William attended and excelled academically and in sports, graduating Valedictorian from Langston High School in 1964. He was Class Secretary, a member of Hi-Y and an outstanding player for both Langston High School Tiger football and basketball teams. He faithfully attended the church of his childhood, Church of Our Lord Jesus, Johnson City, TN, and Eastlake Baptist Church, Killeen, TX. He supported several church fellowships and youth scholarships. Although Will received offers from several colleges outside Tennessee, finance influenced his decision to attend East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. After one year at ETSU, due to a knee injury and the need to work full time, he chose to follow his dream to enter the United States Army. William remained in uniform over 30 years! He advanced and attained the highest enlisted position of Command Sergeant Major, directing as many as 3000 soldiers. He retired September 1997. For multiple years, Will was highlighted on the front page of the Chicago Tribune as the Army’s Top Recruiter. He graduated at the head of his military classes, receiving early promotions and top level leadership duties. He was invited to sit at the table of kings, queens, rulers and other dignitaries around the world. In 2005, he ran for city council in Killeen, TX. Experiencing Vietnam, Korea and other stages of conflict, William received numerous awards, commendations and decorations for his military leadership, some for saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. However, he never wanted recognition for his valor in his many years of combat and on special forces. He was the original leader of the Army’s Special Operations Aviation Unit, known as the Night Stalkers. God’s Grace allowed William to return safely from numerous special missions despite multiple injuries, surgeries, rods and screws suffered over his many years of service. While in the Army he completed his civilian education through the New York Regions education system, earning a non-thesis Masters in Military Science. After retirement, Will dedicated himself to assisting Veterans in receiving earned benefits they deserved. A lifetime member of the NAACP, Will served on the Killeen, TX Military Veteran’s Panel and was very active with the Youth Committee. He also dutifully served the Washington County Johnson City, TN NAACP wherever needed. He was an avid speed reader, completing several courses at the University of Texas, El Paso, the University of Tennessee and the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy. His love of speed reading was inspired by cousin and educator, “Miss Gillespie” (Callie Redd). Due to his sister Carolyn’s unexpected health crisis in 2001, William returned to Johnson City to assist in her care. He renovated the home to accommodate her every need. Will remained in Johnson City, working diligently to help his community through the Pro-To-Club, Community Benevolence to feed bereaved families, Carver Recreation Center, tutoring community youth, supporting area churches, youth scholarships and giving of self to meet the needs of family and friends. William revitalized the cleanup, restoration and maintenance of Westlawn Cemetery, doing a lot of the work on his own as well as enlisting the help of others throughout the community. He made everyone feel special regardless of their situation. While he did not condone poor behavior choices, he did not condemn people for their mistakes. In 2015, William’s health needs required his return to Texas for his chosen medical care. Despite battling the effects of Agent Orange and other health issues, his response to inquiries about his health was always, “I’m FANTASTIC”! William was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Kaisa, Pearl, Leah R Trottie, Ida R Butler and Carolyn R Young; brothers James “Skippy” Rhea, Harold and Robert Murray. He leaves to celebrate his life, one brother, Christopher “Lum” Rhea, Jr. (Virginia), brother-in-laws, Clinton Butler and Eugene Trottie, several nieces and nephews, many cousins and a host of dear friends and loved ones. Many dark corners are brighter, many burdens relieved, many potentials have been realized and many lost souls restored because of CSM William L. Rhea’s commitment to God through servant-leadership. Matthew 25:23 (NKJV) His Lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ Homegoing Celebration will begin at 1:00 pm, Monday, April 8, 2019 at New Zion Faith Center, 1904 Jamestown Rd., JC TN. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until 12:30 pm. At 12:30 pm until the time of the Service, there will be a “Time of Reflection” from family, friends