Rascoe Rhea

Dr. R. Rascoe Rhea, age 68 years, passed away suddenly on December 14, 2015, at the Magnolia Regional Hospital in Corinth, MS. He was born February 2, 1947, to Porter and Emma (Cannon) Rhea, and grew up on a farm. He was a 1965 graduate of Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, TN, and graduated Rhodes College in Memphis in 1969, where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. He married high school sweetheart Simms Montgomery on September 9, 1967, in Pulaski, TN. He was a member of the Marguerite Dean Dental Society and also active in the Naval Reserves while he earned his DDS (graduated in 1972) at The University of Tennessee Dental School in Memphis, TN. He served active duty in the United States Navy from 1972-1975, and was stationed at Millington NAS, where he was a dentist. He practiced dentistry in Selmer, TN, from 1975-1995. He was a member of the Selmer Rotary Club for 39 years, serving twice as president, named Paul Harris Fellow, and was awarded the Four Avenues of Service Citation in 2006 and Rotarian of the Year for his chapter in 2014. He was elected Selmer City Alderman and served 1998-2005. He led Boy Scouts of America Troop 336 for 6 years and received the Order of the Arrow from BSA. He received the Private Sector Initiative Commendation in 1984 from President Ronald Reagan for his work with Vocational Education in Tennessee. He loved traveling with his family, woodworking, antique model trains, animals, and, above all, helping others. He leaves a legacy of selflessness, service, and gratitude. He is survived by his wife, Simms, son David (Tammy), daughter Jann (Ryan) Elliott, grandchildren Stella and Wolfe Elliott, and sister Judie (Knox) White. Services will be held at Selmer First United Methodist Church on Friday, December 18, 2015. The family will greet friends from 9-12:00, with memorial service at 12:00. Donations may be made to the Selmer Rotary Club Rascoe Rhea Scholarship or ALS (www.alsa.org).