Ralph Coy Kear

Ralph worked at Smalley Manufacturing for 46 years. He became one of four partners and held the title of vice president of production until he retired at 62.

Ralph's favorite pastime was mowing his yard, contrary to what he said. He was a loyal member of the 6am Hardin Valley Food City Breakfast Club, where he made many new friends and even spent time eating breakfast with previous employees from Smalley's. He was a member of First Baptist Concord and enjoyed spending time with members of his Sunday school class. He loved spending time with his family and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ralph is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Jean Berry-Kear; daughter, Teresa Gail (Dean) Greer; parents, Ora and Maggie Kear; brothers, Ray (Betty)Kear and Rev J.H. (Bertha) Kear; sister, Geneva Scates and his twin sister, Ruth Kear who died as a baby.

Ralph will be greatly missed by his children, Wilma Jean (Rob) Kear-Effler, Ralph Edward (Kimmy) Kear, Melissa Renee (Greg) Kear-Cooke; grandchildren, Charlie (Kim) Effler, Neil (Michelle) Effler, Michael Greer, Kevin Greer, Christopher (Cyndi) Greer, Courtney Kear, Alex Kear, Alyssa (Donny Baird) Huskey, Joshua Huskey; and many great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Stacy Aycock and family for watching over Ralph. We would like to thank his neighbors in the Village of Kear where he served as the Mayor. A special thank you to Dr. Thomas Anderson, Dr. Timothy Williams and Chasity, his long time nurse and friend, for all the care provided through the years for both Ralph and Jean.

A visitation will be held for Ralph on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 11am at Berry Highland Memorial, 5315 Kingston Pike with a funeral service to follow at 2pm with our dear friend, Bishop Timothy Brown to officiate. A graveside service will be held at 3pm at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com for the Kear family.