Joe B. Mears, 82, passed from this world from the comfort of his home on Monday, October 8, 2018, while surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born in the early morning hours of April 6, 1936 to Woodrow and Gladys Barber Mears, following the tornado that hit Tupelo. Joe grew up in Mantachie, MS and married the love of his life, Mada Sue Wells, on August 10, 1956. They were blessed with 62 years of marriage, two children, two foster children, and many happy memories.
Joe, along with his wife Sue, was one of the last original members of the Mantachie Church of Christ.
Always a simple man with an outgoing personality, Joe enjoyed living life and the many wonderful blessings that the Lord had blessed him with. He absolutely loved the outdoors and the many changing seasons that occurred throughout the year. He would frequently stay outside and walk over his beautiful “place” until almost dark. He enjoyed stopping by the local coffee-shops before work and joining in on the always “controversial” conversations that would take place there. He always had an appetite for Sue’s good ole homemade country cooked meals. He was proud of his 1989 Cadillac and always had a soft spot for stray dogs, often times raising them to be faithful companions. He doted on his family and taught his children to work hard in order to be successful in all aspects of their life. Joe was an honest, caring friend to all, and he always seemed to find the good in everyone. He always treated all human beings with courtesy and respect.
Joe worked for Cook, Coggin, & Kelly Engineers for 11 years and became a licensed registered land surveyor for the State of Mississippi in 1963. He continued his profession through self-employment for 44 years until his health declined in 2012. Joe also served as Itawamba County surveyor during his years of work.
Visitation will be Tuesday, October 9, 2018 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Mantachie. Services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 also at McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Mantachie with Bro. Kenneth Burleson and Bro. Wendell Fikes officiating. Burial will follow at Center Star Cemetery in Mantachie.
Joe is survived by his wife Sue; one son Ben Mears (Melinda) of Mantachie; one daughter Katie Goff (Nathan) of Mantachie; one foster son Buddy Bowden (Sandra) of Mantachie; one foster daughter Lavern Bowden of Nettleton; three grandchildren; Jessica Hood (Timmy) of Mantachie; Cole Mears (Laken) of Mantachie; Hunter Mears (Anna) of Mantachie; four great-grandchildren; Riley Hood, Dustin Hood, Kaylee Hood, and Chayni Mears, all of Mantachie; two sisters; Wanda Burleson (Paul) of Mooreville; Mary Ellen Houston (Jim) of Tupelo.
Pallbearers will be Cole Mears, Hunter Mears, Riley Hood, Dustin Hood, Timmy Hood, and Buddy Bowden.
Honorary pallbearers will be John Marvin Pierce, Dr. Thomas McDonald, and the men of the Mantachie Church of Christ.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Ricky Parker, Dr. Jim Lewis, Dr. Charles Pigott, and Dr. Melinda Prewitt for always providing excellent care and consideration.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mantachie Church of Christ or a charity of choice.
