Willie Thomas Kea

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.