Douglas Weldon Rhea blessed us with his presence for 58 years. He left us Sept. 19, 2021 after a courageous five year battle with Metastatic Colorectal cancer to live in his eternal home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Doug proudly served 4 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and he always said the Marines made the man. His warrior heart carried him through the toughest battle of his life. Doug was also a Police Officer for the Bedford Police department following his military service.
However, his true calling was computers. He single-handedly started his own computer software/ hardware company in 1996 and continued running the company until one week before his death. He had the same core employees and they have remained his dearest friends.
Doug believed any company is only as good as its employees and he always said “If you love what you do, you will never work a day”. He loved what he did.
Doug grew up in Dallas and Arlington but he loved Mount Pleasant more than any other place, where his grandparents lived.
He always said the best part of his childhood was spending time on the farm. He continued coming as often as possible for as long as he was able. It is only fitting that he returns to Mount Pleasant to say his final farewell to all his relatives still residing here.
Doug is survived by Linda, his beloved wife of 33 years. His son, David and wife Rachel and his precious, priceless “grand blessings” Daegan 10, Cora, 7 and Griffin 4. His father, D. Weldon Rhea and wife Sue of Mount Pleasant, His mother Carol Byers and her husband John of Quinlan, sister Angela Rhea and family of Garland, sister Debbie Rhea Harris and son Daniel of Houston, uncle Donald Rhea of Dallas, aunt LaBetha Boyer of Dallas and a wealth of dear friends.
Doug is preceded by his paternal grandparents Russell Benson and Pearl Rhea Benson of Mount Pleasant and maternal grandparents A.B. and Dorothy Huggins of Quinlan.
Doug was known as a friend to everyone, always willing to lend a helping hand. He treasured his family above all else and was a true and loyal child of God.
His family humbly requests that in lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the Wounded Warrior Foundation. He also requested that each one of you hug your children, kiss your spouse and thank God for each new day you are given to spend time with your family.
A celebration of Doug’s life was held on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 at 11 a.m.at Bates-Cooper-Sloan Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant, with a visitation being held an hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
An online registry is available at batescoopersloanfuneralhome.com.