Eddie Joe Lea (56) of Butler, KY, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at the St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood surrounded by his famiy. Eddie was born in Cynthiana, KY on December 13, 1966, son to the late Clark Jr. and Alma Faye Teegarden Lea. In addition to his parents, Eddie is preceded in death by his sister Carolyn Hensley and brother William “Billy” Lea.

Eddie is survived by his wife of 37 years Gena Turner Lea, daughters Ciara (Derrick) Kells, Ceanna (Aric) Stephenson, Sarena (Ryan) Amburgey, sisters Joyce (Don) Holt, Betty Mastin, Norma Metcalf, brothers Gary (Teresa) Lea, Bobby (Joy) Lea, Paul (Jeanie) Lea, and grandchildren Tayden Stephenson, Kobe Kells, and Graelyn Stephenson.

Eddie was a member of Second Twelve Mile Baptist Church. He was so proud of going on 11 years in fellowship of Alcohol Anonymous, his passion for AA was incredible. He was a very giving and proud Pappy that loved Kentucky basketball, Cincinnati Reds, and the Cincinnati Bengals.


Visitation will be held 4-8 pm Friday, April 14 at the Peoples Funeral Home in Butler. An additional visitation will be held 10-11 am Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Second Twelve Mile Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 11 am also at the church, officiated by Monte McElfresh. Eddie’s final resting place will be at Peach Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers are Derrick Kells, Aric Stephenson, Ryan Amburgey, Gary Lea, Mitchell Haywood and Lee Turner. Honorary Pallbearers are Tayden and Kobe (Pappy’s Buddies) and Graelyn (Pappy’s Baby). Memorials, if desired, are suggested to the family to offset medical expenses.

If Joe Nuxhull could sum it up today, he’d say, “Ed Lea, the ol’ left hander rounded third and headed for home.”