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George Pell Lea

December 29, 1958 ~ October 19, 2025

Born in: Nash County, NC
Resided in: Cary, NC

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CARY – George Pell Lea, age 66, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025.  Born in Nash County, NC on December 29, 1958, he was the son of the late Philip Pell Lea and Bernice “Bunny” Nicholson Bunn Lea.

Blessed with musical talents, George’s love of music began on Christmas Day when he leaped across the living room to land in the chair behind his first drum set.  After many years of dutiful practice, he ended up in the Rocky Mount Senior High School band.  George received an award from his music teacher, Mr. Sikes, and never allowed his mother to forget how she was late for the ceremony.  He spent several happy years touring through North Carolina and Virginia with his band.  George’s family always enjoyed his songs and digital recordings.  Lately, he had honed his computer and technical skills as he began his company.  A caring brother, uncle, and good friend to many, George will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

George is survived by his sister, Ramsay Lea Gorham and husband, Frank; his brothers, Philip Bunn Lea and wife, Jo, and Richard Hunter Lea; his nephews and nieces, Hunter Gorham and wife, Megan, Walker Gorham and wife, Molly, Anna Lea Stroud and husband, David, and Katherine Lea Womble and husband, Robert; and many extended family members and good friends.

A Celebration of Life Service to celebrate George’s life will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church, 200 S Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Bill Grisham officiating.  Visitation with the family will be following the service in the First Baptist Church.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.

Services

Celebration of Life: Sunday, October 26, 2025 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

First Baptist Church
200 South Church Street
Rocky Mount, NC United States
27804
252-446-9113

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2025-10-26 14:00:00 2025-10-26 03:00:00 GeorgePellLeaCelebration of Life Celebration of Life 200 South Church Street,Rocky Mount, NC United States

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Visitation: Sunday, October 26, 2025 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

First Baptist Church Narthex
200 South Church Street
Rocky Mount, NC United States
27804

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2025-10-26 15:00:00 2025-10-26 04:00:00 GeorgePellLeaVisitation Visitation 200 South Church Street,Rocky Mount, NC United States

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  1. George and I were inseparable from early childhood. Too many memories to list. May the Lord embrace you my friend. Heaven needs a great drummer

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  2. Richard & Family, I am so sorry to hear about George and will always remember
    his smile and love for music. You are in my prayers & thoughts for strength & peace
    during these hard times.

    May God comfort the Lea family.

    Cecil & Pam Dunbar

    Reply

  3. So many memories together. We learned life and music together and I’ll miss you. My most sincere condolences to the family and all your friends.

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  4. So many memories of walking past the Lea’s home, hearing George on his drum playing. This is what I will remember most of him, play them drums George now. Rest in Peace my old Lafayette Circle Friend.

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  5. Same here – probably my oldest friend from before kindergarten. My wife , Margaret always referred to him as such a sweet friend. Good to hear from old neighborhood guys, we had some good times with George and crew on Lafayette and the trestle over the Tar. I will truly miss him.

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  6. Attended school with George from 1st -12th grade.Remember being in a band with George and others for a very short time and his mom helped me with “colour my world”by Chicago on the piano. George was a verytalented drummer.🥁🙏🏻

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  7. Attended school with George from 1st -12th grade.Remember being in a band with George and others for a very short time and his mom helped me with “colour my world”by Chicago on the piano. George was a very talented drummer.🥁🙏🏻

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  9. Another Rocky Mount legend from our generation gone. Condolences to the family and all those closest to him.

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  11. This comes as such a shock. I remember George from the days long ago when Phillip and I were childhood pals. My deepest sympathies and condolences to Phillip and Jo, Ramsey and Frank, Richard and extended family.

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  12. I use to look forward to heading over to Greg’s house, along with the rest of our drummer group, Tommy B., Jaime O., and whoever decided to drop by; for what would always be a day/night of epic drumming competition. I’m still in complete shock…. Just 4 short weeks ago we were planning a road trip to visit our old employer, Denny Bass for a one last drummers hoorah.. As Chris V. mentioned, Heaven now has another great drummer. I’ll see ya when I get there PAL..

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  13. So sorry to hear your sad news-to each of the Lea families and extended families; our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

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  14. I remember George always had a kind soul and was so much fun to be around. Condolences to family and friends.RIP.

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  15. George auditioned for our band, named
    “Spread The Word”, in Greenville, NC and ended up joining us in Atlantic Beach, NC just in time for the Super Bowl Sunday game.
    I remember him calling several friends and telling them how happy he was to be touring with us.
    We played 52 weeks a year and never took time off to relax and get away.
    Our band schedule was a constant vacation.
    Beaches during the summer and ski resorts during the winter and playing in close proximity to each other’s Families during the Thanksgiving/Christmas Holidays.
    George knew how to keep the groove going with his impeccable timing and the addition of his strong lead and harmony vocals was just the proverbial,
    “Icing On The Cake”
    George was a very religious, Christian and an all in all pleasure to be around.
    I loved him as a brother and he will be sadly, sadly missed.
    I know in my heart that Jesus was waiting with open arms.
    Love You My Friend

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  18. Shocked and saddened by George’s sudden passing. I will miss his daily fb postings! He certainly had his opinions on current affairs! Lol

    Rest in peace and power my sweet Christian friend. Without a doubt you are in the presence of our Savior, Lord Jesus Christ.

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