David Paul Rhea

David P. Rhea, 62, of Hoopers Island passed away on August 31, 2017 at Chesapeake Woods Center with his family by his side.  He was born in Hoopers Island on October 2, 1954 to the late William Ivy Rhea, Jr. and Frances Marie Flowers Rhea.

Mr. Rhea was a kind soul who charmed everyone in his life.  He served in the United States Navy on the USS Forrestall and the USS Kitty Hawk, cruising the Mediterranian, Spain, and Italy.  His love of the water continued after his service, as he was a waterman for most of his life.  Mr. Rhea was a man of many talents.  He could fix any vehicle he put his hands on, and he also worked in carpentry.  He assisted in the building of the Hoopersville bridge.  Mr. Rhea enjoyed listening to country music.  He also enjoyed spending time with his family.  More than anything, he loved his wife, the former Laura Lee Youngbar, whom he married on September 29, 1979, and who passed away on October 19, 2011.  All of their children’s friends would call them “mom and dad” because they were caring towards everyone.

Mr. Rhea is survived by 2 daughters, Nicole Rhea and husband Aaron Hurley of East New Market, and Casey Rhea and partner Tim Klucky of East New Market, siblings Linda Seward of Hudson, Greg Rhea and wife Kay of Cambridge, Charlotte Rhea Haemsch and husband Buddy of Rehoboth Beach, DE, and Heidi Rhea Adams and husband Ricky of Secretary, his father and mother in law Donald and Janet Youngbar of Fishing Creek, a brother in law Donnie Youngbar and wife Debbie of Pasadena, sisters in law Lisa Youngbar of Cambridge and Beth Tolley and husband Phillip of Church Creek, nieces and nephews Kim Seward, Jason Seward, Ellen Olds, Michelle Wilson, Eric Bridge, Doug Bridge, Jr., Katie Rhea, Matthew Haemsch, Bryan Adams, Allyson Adams, Brian Youngbar, Allison Youngbar, Lindsay Tolley, aunts and uncles Judy and Henry Gootee, Joyce Flowers, and Nellie Flowers, great nieces and nephews and numerous extended family members.  Besides his parents and his wife, he is preceded in death by a sister Suzanne Bridge, brothers Roland Rhea and Lawrence Rhea, a nephew Lee Tolley, and a brother in law Paul Hayward.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 4 PM at Riverside Wesleyan Church in Fishing Creek.  A reception will follow the service at the Hoopers Island Volunteer Fire Company.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. to help defray funeral cost.  Arrangements are in the care of Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge, MD.