George R. "Bob" Rea Jr.

A memorial service for family and close friends honoring Mr. Bob Rea will be held Monday, October 6th, 2025, at 12:00 PM in the courtyard of St. Paul's Episcopal Church with Rev. Katie Sorey officiating. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

George Robert Rea, Jr. CPA, age 86, of Meridian, MS passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at his home.

George R. "Bob" Rea joined Rea, Shaw, Giffin & Stuart, CPAs in 1963. He received his Bachelor of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University in 1961 and then received his Masters degree in accounting at the University of Alabama in 1966. When earning his CPA designation in 1967, Bob was awarded the Gold Medal for the highest score on the exam. He has been a partner in the firm since 1969. As our of counsel partner, Bob offers management services and small business consulting to our clients.

Bob was a native of Meridian and was an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Meridian. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and simply being outdoors observing wildlife. His favorite hobby was fishing for Red Drum in the Mississippi/ Louisiana marsh.

Bob held an active membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA). Bob was an active participant in Tax Twenty, a select group of accountants from various areas of the U.S. who exchange information concerning tax practice and technical issues. Bob was a longstanding member of Beta Gamma Sigma.

Bob's community affiliations included serving as an officer of the Meridian Museum of Art and a Director of BIPEC. He was also an avid supporter of Meridian Community College, previously serving as treasurer of The MCC Foundation. Bob's commitment to MCC was evidenced through his serving consecutive terms in various capacities on The Foundation's board starting with treasurer at its inception in 1979. Bob also served as a board member for Community Foundation of East Mississippi.

Bob was a member of the St. Paul's Episcopal Men's bible study group, The Queen City Investment Club, Round Table Investment Club,

He is survived by his wife Karen Rea, daughter Merry Jo Rea, adopted son, Shan Rea, brother, Charles E. Rea (Bobbie), brothers-in-law, John William Mathews Jr, Geoffrey Mathews (Cathy), and Brett Mathews (Lousie), and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Robert Rea Sr. and Josephine Blanks Rea, and sister, Merry Rea Thomson.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Meridian Community College Foundation, or The Community Foundation of East Mississippi in Bob's honor.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.