Richard ("Ricky") Wilson Lea, 66, of Eastwood, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2022, at Hospice House in Pinehurst. Born on August 1, 1956, he was the second child of William and Carlene Lea. Following his graduation from Pinecrest High School in 1974, Ricky enlisted in the United States Navy, serving aboard the USS Midway during the evacuation missions at the end of the Vietnam War. He continued his service in the Naval Reserve until his retirement in 1994 as a Petty Officer 1st Class.
After returning from active duty, Ricky joined his brother Billy and father in running the family farm, transitioning from tobacco farming to raising beef cattle. He also served with the Eastwood Volunteer Fire Department before building a 25-year career with the Pinehurst Fire Department, retiring as Battalion Chief in 2019. Ricky was deeply committed to his family, faith, and community.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Carlene Furr Lea, and infant son Aaron. Ricky is survived by his father, William “Bill” Lea (Linda); his children: Joshua Wilson Lea (Maegan), Elizabeth Caroline Lea Tyndall (Jared), and James Nolan Lea (Sophie); his siblings: William “Billy” Lea, Donna Lea Ford (Wesley), and Carla Lea Sehestedt (Jack); and four grandchildren: Eloise Lea, Olivia Tyndall, Mabel Lea, and Allison Tyndall. He was also looking forward to a fifth grandchild on the way.
A visitation was held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Boles Funeral Home Chapel in Southern Pines. A memorial service followed on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Culdee Presbyterian Church in West End. Interment took place at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Eastwood Volunteer Fire Department.
