Harold Craig Rea, age 63, of Bakersville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Craig was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many.
Born on December 18, 1961 in Buncombe County, he was the son of the late Richard Lewis Rea, Jr. and the late Margie Lanning Kirtley. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Laurie Michelle Sanders (Micki).
Craig leaves behind his wife of thirty-six years; Debra (Debbie) Nicols Rea, his son; Jonathan Craig Rea, his grandchildren; Wesley Dula, Madison Richards, and Jonathan Craig (JJ) Rea, Jr., his siblings; Richard Lewis (Rick) Rea, III and wife, Tammy, Marisa Southern and husband, Tommy, Cindi Owenby, Karen Bartlett and husband, Bill, Kris Kirtley, Kelly Sluder and husband, Evan, Tonya Wondolowski and husband, Mike, Chris Rea and brother-il-law, James Bently Sanders, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Craig was known to many in Bakersville from his years in the culinary field. Folks around Bakersville will remember Craig for his cooking and sense of humor. No matter what was going on, Craig would make time around 3 pm for his favorite tv show, ‘General Hospital’. Craig was a kind and generous person, always willing to help others in any way possible.
The funeral service for Craig Rea will be on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Webb Funeral Home with the Rev’s. Randy Wise and Tim Watson officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be in the Cane Creek Cemetery.
