Willie Lear

Chesterfield, SC

Willie Ray Lear was the fifteenth child, and last survivor, born to William Alec Lear and Clara Elizabeth Hancock Lear on May 15, 1936, and died on Friday, November 4, 2016 at the age of 80.

He had a varied working career which included Lear’s IGA, Life of Georgia Insurance Company, J.P. Stevens, Hennis Freight, and retired with 28 years of service with the Department of Agriculture: Soil Conservation Service.

Ray was a faithful member of Chesterfield Baptist Church, Fellowship Sunday School Class, choir, deacon, and the S.C. National Guard. He worked many hours helping Chesterfield County Rural Water Company get established along highway # 9.

Ray loved music, the outdoors, horses, reading, farming and socializing. He helped take care of his mother for many years and was a beloved son-in-law to Sara Belle Phillips.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sara Lear; one daughter, Elizabeth “Libby” Lear Walker, one grandson, Vaughn Lear Walker; also many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial services for the life of Willie Ray Lear will be 4:00 PM Sunday, November 6, 2016 at Chesterfield Baptist Church by Pastor Dennis Burton and Phillip C. Caulder, Jr. The family will greet friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Contributions may be made to Chesterfield Baptist Church “Playground Equipment Fund”, 207 East Main Street, Chesterfield, SC 29709, or Chesterfield County Soil and Water Conservation District, 106 Scotch Road, Chesterfield, SC 29709, or Mercy in Me Free Medical Clinic, P.O. Box 1684, Cheraw, SC 29520, or to a charity of one’s choice.


Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home of Chesterfield, SC
(www.mrcfuneralhome.com) is serving the Lear Family.