Jackie Leon Paris Lea's Obituary
Jackie Leon Paris Lea, joined his bride, Sharon Louise Ray Lea, in Heaven on the morning of June 8, 2022.
Jackie (Jack) was born June 10, 1940, in Longview, Texas to his loving parents Leon and Dollie Lea. Jack married the love of his life, and they commenced on their greatest adventure of building a life together for 61 years.
Jack attended Longview High School where he met and married his wife Sharon after they graduated and then continued his education at Kilgore College. Jack was a hard worker, who provided for his family, by managing and owning a chain of dry cleaners in Longview, Texas.
His hobbies included fishing, biking, jogging, and firearms. He included his children in his many hobbies while encouraging them to cultivate their own. Being a natural artist, he not only had some amazing paintings, but also inspired his children to love art. Also, he enjoyed visits from his grandkids, his many pets, and eating and bragging on Mom’s homemade cooking. He loved his family, Jesus Christ, and the Word of God.
Dad (Jackie) always had a smile to greet his family and his natural sense of humor kept them laughing. He was positive and appreciative for every blessing that God bestowed upon him no matter the loss or pain. Jack was a source of wisdom and strength and pressed through many years of his health declining as his wife helped him finish the race. He exemplified strength within and without.
One of his favorite sayings was, “It is going to be a beautiful, God-given, bluebird kind-of-day.” He will be dearly loved and missed, but we will find comfort in knowing that he will be having a bluebird kind-of-day, every day.
Jack is survived by his devoted children: LaRonda Lea, Wendy Lea (Greg) Butler, Sharissa Lea (David) Barrett, and Aaron (Katie) Lea; 8 grandchildren: Andrew, Kaitlyn, Ashley, Tyler, Madison, Jack, Jonas, and Lucas; niece Alayna (Lamar) Cox and 2 great-grandchildren: Abram and Liam. His dad Leon Lea, mother Dollie Lea, and sister Joyce (Neil) Ranne preceded him in death.
“Well done, good and faithful servant: because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)
Visitation for Jackie Lea will be Thursday, June 9, from 6-8 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home in Longview, Texas. The Graveside service will be Friday, June 10 at 10:00 a.m. at Memory Park in Longview, Texas.
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