Cover photo for Billy Mears's Obituary
1940 Billy 2018

Billy Mears

February 17, 1940 — June 21, 2018

William "Billy" Floyd Mears, 78, died peacefully at home on Thursday, June 21, 2018, surrounded by loved ones. Born on February 17, 1940, Billy was a native of Onancock, graduating from Onancock High School in 1958.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nora Grace Mears; his son, William Thomas Mears and wife, Laura; four grandsons, Colin Thomas and wife, Dana, Brandon Thomas and fiancé, Angela Cloud, Davis Mears, and Will Mears; and one greatgrandchild, Taylee Thomas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Floyd Mears and Sara Catherine Mears; his brother Barry Lee Mears; and daughter, Cathy Ann Mears Thomas.

Billy worked for Sunshine Laundry and Holsum Bread Company before taking over the family business, Mears Sand and Gravel, in 1963. Billy loved working outside and working with heavy equipment, and is probably best known for driving a dumptruck and delivering sand and gravel to just about every corner of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. In addition to being a loving husband, father, and grandfather, he was a loyal friend to many and will always be remembered by all who knew him as a kindhearted, giving man, who always had a smile. As stated by a close friend and business associate, Billy embodied honesty, integrity, and hard work until the very end.

Outside of work, Billy loved spending time with family and attending his grandchildren's sporting events and school programs. He was very proud of his children's and grandchildren's accomplishments and was always ready to help out or be available to support their endeavors. Billy also loved high school football and would often travel all over the state and beyond with Jerry Hartman, his best friend for 74 years, to watch a football game. He also enjoyed breakfast at Rita's with his "breakfast club" for many years and riding his Harley Davidson with his friends in the "Apple Dumpling Gang."

A celebration of life service will be conducted Sunday, July 1, 2018, at 2:00 PM at Doughty Funeral Home with Mr. George Fulk officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Riverside Shore Hospice, P.O. Box 616, Onley, VA or Schellhammer Urological Research Foundation, 225 Clearfield Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23462-1815.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore, Virginia.


Celebration of Life Service

Doughty Funeral Home
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    Exmore, VA 23350
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