James Derril Rea, 88
July 18, 1938 – August 20, 2026
TUPELO – From humble beginnings to a long purposed-filled life of 88 years, James Derril Rea always had his priorities in order: God, family and his country. Derril lived a life of service, commitment to Judeo-Christian principles and love for all mankind. He departed his earthly pilgrimage from Sanctuary Hospice House on Thursday, August 20, 2026 after a couple years of declining health. Born in Tupelo on July 18, 1938 to the late Carvil Rea and Nona Clytee Angle Rea, Derril grew up here and graduated from Tupelo High School in 1957 and married the love of his life, Mary Louise Kelly on May 24, 1958 – a marriage of 68 beautiful years. To this union was born three children: Jimmy, Tina and Tammy.
A thoroughly patriotic American, James answered the call of duty to serve his country in the US Army with action during the Berlin Crisis., He served in the Mississippi National Guard and Army Reserves 11 years. A master electrician, Derril gained employment with the Tennessee Valley Authority for almost 4 decades. He loved his TVA associates who knew him as “Boo Boo Rea” and enjoyed attending reunions long after he retired.
An outdoorsman who loved God’s creation, Derril and Louise traveled extensively visiting all 50 states and going overseas. He loved fishing, camping, riding his John Deere mower, and spending time with family and friends. An avid conversationalist who never met a stranger, his personality was sterling, his dry wit legendary and his love of his family unconditional. He loved the grandchildren and great grandchildren supremely and they affectionately called him Paps!
Derril and Louise were charter members of West Jackson St. Baptist Church where they actively participated in nearly all capacities in the Church including Deacon, Sunday School teachers for adults and children and faithful attendees. Derril practiced the Golden Rule daily and his faith served as a lighthouse for a life well lived.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 PM Sunday, August 23, 2026 at West Jackson St. Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Keith Cochran, Bro. Bert Harper and Bro. Chris O’Daniel officiating. Private burial will follow in Tupelo Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5 PM-7 PM Saturday (8/22) at Holland Funeral Directors and from 1 PM-service time Sunday at the Church. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving their friends. The service may be viewed on the WJSBC facebook page.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Louise Rea; his son, James Derril “Jimmy” Rea, Jr.; his daughters, Tamera “Tammy” Mullins Renick (Jim) and Tina Sample (Charles); 7 grandchildren, Heath McClain Mullins (Sarah), Jared Mullins (Erica), Tucker Sample (Caitlin), Emory Mullins (Danielle), Sadie Whitaker (John), Chauncey Leighton Mullins (Anna) and Landon Sample; his great grandchildren, Tate, Hudson, Scarlett, Leighton, Hayden, Colby, Mabel, and Mack Parker; a sister, Sarah Guin (Jack). He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister and brother-in-law, Kay Rea Wallis and Jimmy; and his son-in-law, Bill Mullins.
Memorials may be made to West Jackson St. Baptist Church, 1349 W. Jackson St., Tupelo, MS 38801, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Sanctuary Hospice House, P. O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS. 38802.
Condolences may be posted on Derril’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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