MSG (Retired) Charlie Junior Kea departed this life on Thursday, November 11, 2021, at the age of 77. He was born on July 28, 1944 in Canetuck, NC. He was the oldest child of Lonnie Kea and Louise Gardner Kea.
Charlie was educated at Pender County Training School, and graduated from C. F. Pope High School, in Burgaw, NC, in 1962. He also attended Midlands Technical College, in Columbia, SC, where he earned a degree in Business Administration.
He entered military service in 1962, as a soldier in the United States Army. He completed tours of duty in Vietnam, Panama, as well as, many state side posts. Some of his many awards and decorations include: The Purple Heart, The Army Commendation Medal, The Armed Forces Expeditionary Forces Medal, and The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.
Charlie was baptized at an early age at Canetuck Missionary Baptist Church. He took pride in reading and knowing the Bible. He loved Gospel, Soul, and Blues music. Charlie often shared stories of growing up in Canetuck, NC, and illustrious accounts of his military experiences.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; a son, Terrance Kea; and two brothers, Kenneth and Milton Kea.
MSG (Retired) Charlie Junior Kea leaves to mourn his passing: his wife and best friend of 55 years, Betty Kea; a daughter, Sonda Johnson, of Columbia, SC; a son, Charlie (Coretta) Kea, Jr., of Columbia, SC; Charlie was affectionately known as Gramps by his six grandchildren, Lynette and Rene Johnson, both of California, Damani Kea, of Columbia, SC, Daleah Kea, of Texas, Cydney and Grayce Kea, both of Columbia, SC; four sisters, Janette Kea Robinson, of Wilmington, NC, Carolyn Kea, of Canetuck, NC, Maxine Kea Carrington, of Kelly, NC, and Johnetta Hall Wilson, of Wilmington, NC; one uncle, William Kea, of Durham, NC; a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.
Please accept the condolences of the veterans of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment who served in Vietnam and Cambodia (11th ACVVC). Charlie’s name will be published in our newsletter, Thunder Run, and read at our memorial service at the annual reunion: this year in Birmingham. He will also be listed along with the other brave men who served with the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment. Master Sergeant Charlie Kea served honorably in C Troop in 1968 and 1969; he was one of us, one of our own.
Thank you all for the warm wishes
Charlie will be missed. May God bless the family with comfort during this time.
My prayers and condolences to the family. I am sorry for your great loss.
My deepest condolences to Betty and family.
Our prayers and condolences to the Kea Family.
We were friends since the grammar grades at Canetuck grade school. I will always remember the times we had cutting wood to keep the classroom warm because we had run out of coal. God must have needed a good Master Sergeant to help his angels. To the family I wish you love during this difficult time. God, please bless them.
May the memories of Charlie and your faith in God give you guidance and comfort in the days ahead.
To the kea family,may the peace of God which passeth all understanding keep your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus,may God continue to bless you and keep you in his care,.To my cousin Pat sorry for your Loss.. Love 💕 you!!!
Sending prayers to Betty and the entire Kea family
Sending prayers and hugs.
Here the dearest of ties we must sever,
Tears of sorrow are seen every day;
But no sickness, no sighing forever,
When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.
To: Mrs. Maxine Carrington and the Kea family
Today is a difficult day in your family. Your brother was full of life. This proved that God truly takes the best . He served his country honorably and well. A distinguished member of his hometown, Canetuck Community , North Carolina and Columbia South Carolina
To his children and grandchildren your dad will live on FOREVER through you. Try to emulate his family bond and strong work ethics and keep the legacy he gave you
you loved him dearly, but God loved him most of all.
Respectfully
Christina N. Simpson – Director
4847 Malpass Corner Road
Burgaw, NC 28425
My thoughts and prayers are with you the Kea family. Janet and I attended WSSU together. We are friends forever, and I met the family. Love all of you.
Dr. Evelyn J. Johnson
Tarboro, NC
A new star lights the night sky it will shine for ever its your love one Charlie God bless the Kea family. from Odessa and family
To the Kea family: My sincere condolences. You are in my prayers.
Let the memories provide comfort in your journey through this loss. Charlie will be missed…..
With deepest condolences to the family