By SHAWN STREET
Burl Rhea, one of the most recognized men in Russell County, passed away on June 8, 2026 at the age of 83.
A resident of Cleveland, Rhea was born on June 2, 1943 in the now defunct community of Wilder.
As a community leader, he helped create the Russell County Kids Fishing Day at the Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve.
Rhea is perhaps best known as being a founding member of the Rabbit Ridge Pea Pickers, one of the region’s favorite bluegrass bands.
The Rabbit Ridge Pea Pickers formed in 1957 and continued playing into the 2020s. To put in perspective how long their career lasted, Dwight Eisenhower was president when the group formed. Gas was 30 cents per gallon and it would be another five years before the Rolling Stones formed.
The Rabbit Ridge Pea Pickers played at venues across Southwest Virginia, at United Mine Workers of America rallies and even the famed Carnegie Hall in New York City.
“I couldn’t tell you how many places we’ve played,” Burl Rhea said with a proud grin when interviewed by The Lebanon News in the summer of 2022. “God gave us the talent. We are self-taught and play from the heart.”
Rhea’s father was a preacher and while his parents were at church, he and brother Denver Rhea, along with the other members, would hone their craft. “We’d have a hoedown while they were at church,” Rhea said with a laugh.
The group got their name thanks in part to officers of the Virginia State Police. When officers were asked where they had been, the answer was, “We’re on Rabbit Ridge listening to those pea pickers.”
Rhea was laid to rest on June 12 at West Hill Cemetery in Lebanon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to help the family with funeral expenses.
Cutline:
Burl Rhea passed away at the age of 83.
