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Clayton “Gary” Rhea, 74, of Columbus, formerly of Bellefontaine, passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2016, in the Ross Heart Hospital at the OSU Wexner Medical Center, Columbus.
Gary was born on April 28, 1941, in Bellefontaine, a son of the late Clayton and Eleanor Warwick Rhea. He also was preceded in death by two brothers, Tracy and Phillip Rhea; and a stepbrother, Phillip Strickland.
He is survived by special friend, Marcia Johnson of Bellefontaine; two sisters, Elizabeth Blackman of Chicago and Rebecca “Becky” Collins of Columbus; one brother, Kevin (Debra) Rhea of Portland, Ore.; former wife, Shirley Rhea of Columbus; two sisters-in-law, Gwen and Nancy Rhea; and a host of nieces, nephews, great- nieces and nephews, and cousins.
Gary was a 1960 graduate of Bellefontaine High School, where he was a standout athlete playing basketball, football and baseball. After high school, Gary served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Italy, where he continued playing sports and sang in different vocal groups.
He worked for Ohio Bell Telephone Co., initially as a lineman and later as foreman, and retired from the company working as a facilities manager.
In his spare time, he loved spending time with his family and friends, especially the youngsters. He was an avid bowler and golfer and after retirement, he worked at Tree Links Golf Course.
Pastor Settle W. Townsend Jr. officiates a memorial service at noon Friday, March 18, at Auburn Avenue Baptist Church, 216 E. Auburn Ave., Bellefontaine, with visitation one hour prior.
Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Hills Junior Golf Academy, 665 W. Township Road 190, Bellefontaine OH 43311.
Arrangements are in care of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, Bellefontaine, where condolences may be expressed at www.edsfh.com.