Rex LeMay

February 21, 1936 - December 7, 2013

Rex Wilson LeMay, age 77 of Columbia, went to be with his Lord on Saturday evening, December 7, 2013 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 2:00 PM from the chapel of Heritage Funeral Home with Brother A.T. Pate, Brother Glen Alexander and Mr. Keith Baker, officiating. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery in Culleoka with military honors provided by the United States Air Force, and the American Legion Post 19. The family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM, and again on Wednesday from noon until the funeral hour at Heritage Funeral Home. Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Rex was born February 21, 1936 in the family home in Columbia and was the son of Roy LeMay and Willie Mae Anglin LeMay. He was a 1954 graduate of Columbia Central High School. The following months would bring some of the greatest events to happen in his life. In July, he joined the United States Air Force to serve his country, and on December 28, 1954, he married the love of his life, Charlene Finley. Together, they would share their lives over the next 58 years, ending true to their commitment “until death do us part.” Charlene’s passing occurred on May 5, 2012.

Following his service, Rex completed his undergraduate degree in 1962 at Mufreesboro State College, now MTSU. Over the years, he and Charlene traveled extensively and lived in seven states. Their lives were enriched by the wonderful friends they made over the years. Following college he briefly taught high school students at the old school in Lynnville. Rex and Charlene’s lives were immensely blessed with the arrival of their son, Brent, into their home and family in 1969.

Rex spent most of his life in sales. He worked for Carnation Company and Firestone, and became an independent agent in insurance sales, representing numerous companies. He began his own business – HiStyle – selling household items as well. Later in life, he worked in security and finally as a personal sitter. He loved being around people and sharing his comforting personality, mixed with his unique sense of humor. He was adamant about helping those in need. He would often provide a meal for those he sat with, allowing them the opportunity to see true faith put into action. Rex was a life-long Christian, and member of the Campbell Station Church of Christ.

Although they made their home in Campbell Station for many years, Rex and Charlene moved to Columbia in 2005 to help take care of his elderly mother, Willie LeMay Harper.

In addition to his parents and wife, Rex was preceded in death by a sister: Mary Nemerow. He will be missed those who survive him: his son and daughter-in-law: Brent and Dawn LeMay; three sisters: Martha (Ron) Sellers, Wanda (Ken) Padgett, and Sheila Reece; and an aunt: Lucille Potts and Kenneth Love, all of Columbia. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews, and his two special kitties: “Sister” and “Sally”.

Pallbearers will be Billy Pigg, Ron Sellers, Ken Padgett, Clay Harris, Edd Kerr and Michael Rositano. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mel and Muriel Attkisson, Lonnie and Kathy Lefever, Ann Fitzgerald, members of the Campbell Station Church of Christ, and members of the Columbia Central High School Class of 1954.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Rex’s honor to the Campbell Station Church of Christ, 2934 Martin Hollow Rd, Culleoka, TN 38451 or the American Legion Post 19, 812 Nashville Hwy, Columbia, TN 38401. The family would like to extend special thanks to Rex’s physicians and caregivers in the ICU-Stepdown and ICU departments at Maury Regional Medical Center for their compassionate and exceptional care.

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