Willie Thomas Kea
January 24, 1940 ~ May 19, 2024
NASHVILLE – Willie Thomas Kea, age 84, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Born in Edgecombe, NC on January 24, 1940, he was the son of the late George Kea and Emma Black Kea. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Dolores Kea; sister, Aroland Kea, brothers, Jesse Lee (Joe) Black, Charlie Kea and James Earl Kea.
Willie grew up as a sharecropper, he attended Conetoe High School. After Graduating he moved to New York and became a truck driver until he retired. After retirement he moved back to Nashville, NC. Willie was a long-time active member of Word Tabernacle, and he served as a greeter for over 15 years. Even during his last call with the family, he had all of us laughing. He was a true image bearer of Christ and a beacon of light and hope for all who knew and loved him. Willie possessed the best sense of humor and truly missed his calling as a true comedian. He was a family man, and extremely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved nothing better than spending time with them. He touched the lives of so many people and will always be remembered with love and kindness.
Willie is survived by his children, Jacqueline Kea of Lawrenceville, GA, Keicha Kea-Rivera (Joseph) of Summerville, SC, De'Sean Kea of Nashville, NC, and Vincent Johnson of Huntsville, Alabama; ten grandchildren; and twelve great grandchildren; sister, Alice Jean Mitchell (Mitch); brother, Clifton Kea and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 12:00 PM at Word Tabernacle Church, 821 Word Plaza Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Associate Pastor Stephanie Battle officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services 661 English Road Rocky Mount, NC 27804 at 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM.
Please send any floral arrangements to Word Tabernacle Church, 821 Word Plaza Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.
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RIP Mr. Thomas. Your smile and jokes will truly be missed. You were an inspiration to all that knew you. Rest Well My friend
Mr Thomas Kea was very kind and compassionate . He will truly be missed . My condolences to the Kea family
Eddie & Sharon McKoy
RIP my brother, your present will truly be missed, I am thankful our paths crossed, praying for comfort and strength for the family. Elaine Williams and family
So sorry to hear of Willie’s passing. He was a close family friend and will be missed. Our sincere condolences to Cliff, Jean and the family. God’s blessings to you all during your time of sorrow.🙏🏾
The De Loatch Family.
To the Kea Family,
My Condolences to your family in your time of Bereavement, Brother Thomas Kea served with excellence as a Greeter of Word Tabernacle Church and my Mom call him and Clifton – Hey Bible Study because we seen them all the time serving and they both have served cheerfully. Take your rest now Brother Thomas 🙏🏽🙌🏽
Quincy McKoy and the McKoy Family
Nash County – Red Oak, North Carolina
“Willie Thomas Kea” brought so many gifts to our life, both in growing up and growing older! We will always hold on to our loving times!
I bet Tommie A dollar on the Muhammad Ali versus Joe Frazier fight in 1971. Of course I Betty on Muhammad Ali and he lost. All these years later I never did pay Tommie back his dollar but I think he’ll forgive me for not paying him back his dollar 🤣… Thank you Tommie for being the first person I
You were the first person I ever saw. Imitate James Brown and Al Green 🤣I will always remember you dancing in the
I will always remember you in the middle of my living room and throwing your roses as you imitated Al Green. I will also always remember your favorite song from long ago by Mr. Wilson Pickett, “Don’t let the Green Grass Fool You! Thank You for always checking on me. I know that you, Dee-Dee, Mommy and daddy and Bragg are getting your Bidwist game on! Thank you for the many laughs you gave me. Rest in peace 🤍🕊️
In Loving Memory of our Uncle Willie. We love you so much and will miss you dearly! Thank you for a lifetime of wonderful memories and love.
Sending love/ light during this most difficult time & sincerest condolences Jackie to you and yours .. Keeping you and your family in my prayers
Sending my thoughts and prayers. Uncle Willie will be missed. He always had a smile every time I saw him!!!!
We will miss you Mr. Kea
Your neighbors at 108 Embassy Avenue
My sincere condolences. Pray that God provide you with more love and support
Uncle Willie was a loving, kind and thoughtful man who loved his family. He will be missed.
To his Children: Jacqueline, Keicha, De’Sean, and Vincent – We are praying for God to comfort you and give you peace during this difficult time. May God fill your heart with the love and memories you shared with your dad.
To his Siblings: Aunt Jean and Uncle Cliff – May the loving memories of your brother and the assurance that he is with the Lord, give you peace and comfort.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, 17 comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Sandra (Gayle) & Michael Morris
Mr.Solid will surely be missed. He always worked in the corner I sat in Worship. He loved being a greeter. I will truly miss him. I pray that you will feel the comfort of God as you endure the sorrow, and the peace of God will fill your hearts and minds.
Minister Joann Thomas
As you grieve our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Brother, we will miss you soooooo much,Your smile always made my day , even when we were little. Keep smiling! Love, Jean and Mitch
Dear Brother,We will miss you sooooo much!I dont have words to express my feelings. We love you! Mitch and Jean
My the peace of God which surpasses all understandings keep your hearts and minds thru Christ Jesus. We the family of Vincent pray for you all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Love Always, Aaron and Lori Vann
With deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved father, may you find peace and comfort in your memories.
Thomas, you’re already missed by so many of us. What a loving and kind gentleman you were. Rest, my friend. Til the day we meet again.