Obituaries for the week of September 7
09/08/2020 12:13PM ● By Steven Hoffman
James C. Rea
James C. Rea, a resident of of Elkton, Md., passed away at home while surrounded by his loving family on Aug. 29. He was 82.
Jim, as he was affectionately known, was the husband of Rita F. Rea, with whom he shared 28 years of marriage.
Born 1938 in Wilmington, Del., Jim was the son of the late Phillip Rea and the late Esther Surgeson Rea of Avondale.
Jim graduated from Avon Grove High School and went on to work at Keeners Furniture as a salesman. He eventually worked as a salesman in Flooring – an industry in which he became expertly knowledgeable. He was also a volunteer firefighter in Avondale and greatly enjoyed hunting in Potter County.
Jim was an all-star athlete during high school. He was the starting pitcher for Avon Grove’s baseball team and excelled at soccer and basketball as well. Later in life, Jim became a baseball coach for his own sons with Avon Grove Little League and he also served as the equipment manager and treasurer for Avon Grove Little League. He led his baseball team all the way to the state championships in the 1970s.
Jim’s love of sports also meant that he was always rooting for his favorite teams, the Phillies and the Eagles.
There was nothing Jim was more passionate about than his wife and his family. He always had a smile on his face and his fun and charming demeanor was easy to love. All who had the pleasure of knowing Jim will deeply miss the warmth, compassion and love he brought to their lives.
In addition to his wife, Rita, Jim is survived by his children, Gary (Patricia), Chuck (Diane), Cheryl (Ted), Kelley and Kristen (Paul); his step-children, Kimberly (Linda), Darrin (Sharon), Janeen (Ashley); 7 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.
Jim was predeceased by his stepfather, Bert, and his beloved son, Michael.
Services were held on Sept. 5 at Foulk Funeral Home in West Grove, while the graveside services took place at New Garden Friends Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Rd. S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047 or online at www.lbda.org.
To view Jim’s online tribute and share a message with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.
Arrangements were handled by Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove.
Ida Clara Price
Ida Clara Price, 95, of Lincoln University, Pa., passed away on Aug. 29 at Twin Pines Health Care Center in West Grove.
She was the wife of the late Howard D. Price.
Born in Rugby, VA she was the daughter of the late Manning and Ida Osborne.
She enjoyed reading, puzzles, gardening, collecting antiques and watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Ida especially enjoyed spending time with her family.
She is survived by three children, Suzanne Baxter (Charles) of West Grove, Ralph Price (Barbara) of Oxford and Jean Denny (Dave) of Rising Sun, Md.; 4 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters.
She was preceded in death by a son, Donald Price; granddaughter, Tara Price; and six siblings.
Services will be private.
Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.
Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
William R. Cheek, Jr.
William R. Cheek, Jr. passed peacefully while surrounded by family at Jennersville Hospital on Sept. 2. He was 70.
He was born on April 29, 1950 in Wilmington Del. to parents Ralph and Janet Cheek.
He graduated from Oxford High School in 1968 and earned a bachelor of science degree in history at Lincoln University.
He was employed as a sales representative for two major farm equipment companies and continued in the business at a local farm dealership in Oxford.
He was married to Diane Williamson from 1971 to 1999 and together they raised three children.
Bill is survived by his father W. Ralph Cheek, Sr., his two brothers Michael (Pam) Cheek and Scott (Ginny) Cheek and his three children, Jason (Kerri), Lauren (Edward) and John (Laura) as well as 8 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Janet S. Cheek.
He was a member of First Baptist Church of Oxford where he served as a choir member, elder, deacon and Sunday school teacher.
He delighted in his large family and was especially fond of his grandchildren. He was well known for his singing voice and original poetry. Many will remember that he always freely offered comfort to anyone experiencing a difficult time.
One of his most memorable accomplishments was his stunning performances in the musical “Camelot” in 1968 and 1986. He portrayed King Arthur.
A private service will be held in Oxford. His family regrets that the current guidelines preclude a larger gathering.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lighthouse Youth Center, 245 Commerce St. Oxford, PA 19363.
Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.
Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
SLUG: Obituaries Sept. 9
