Leslie Roger Shears

Leslie Roger Shears, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, aged 80, went home to be with the Lord on August 14, 2014, surrounded by his loved ones. Known as Roger, he was born in Orlando, FL, on May 15, 1934, to Richard Leon Shears and Dorothy Etherton Harrison Shears, and grew up in Winter Park, FL. At Winter Park High, he was an outstanding athlete, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball, and it was a proud moment when, in 1996, he was chosen to be in the WPHS Sports Hall of Fame. He joined the United States Air Force in December, 1952, as an airman basic – with only a high school education. Roger married his high school sweetheart, Jackie Zerkle, in 1954, and they became the parents of Karen and Susan. During his Air Force career, Roger amassed 2500 hours in the B-52, and flew 151 combat missions over North Viet Nam in the EB-66. His awards include the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal. Roger retired from the Air Force in June, 1976, as a full Colonel with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering (University of Missouri, Columbia), and a Master of Science in Defense Systems Analysis (University of Rochester, New York). Roger had a second career as a management engineer with Sperry-Hercules-Alliant, and retired from that company in 1993. After their nest was empty, Roger and Jackie enjoyed traveling throughout the Caribbean, Europe, England, and the United States including Alaska. Their family grew as six grandchildren came into the world. One of the things Roger enjoyed most was spending time with each grandchild alone at Camp Mamaw and Dedad … a special bonding time every summer. Roger was a faithful member of Christian Family Chapel where he enjoyed men’s Bible Studies and retreats, being in a family group, and ushering on Sunday morning. As Roger’s Parkinson’s Disease progressed, ushering for three services became too difficult, so he began a “hug ministry” where he would stand at the entry of the sanctuary to greet and hug each person who came through the doors. It gave him great joy to welcome everyone to join in worshiping the Lord. Roger was an encourager and a mentor to many people who will long remember his hugs and his warm smile. He loved the Lord and delighted in telling everyone, “Although I might shake on the outside, I have joy in my heart because Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.” Roger is survived by his adoring wife of 59½ years, Jackie; loving daughters, Karen Shears Cousins (Bill) and Susan Shears Pitman (Jere); grandchildren, Ashley Baldwin Sauls, David Baldwin, Spencer Pitman, Leslie Pitman, Harrison Pitman, and Leighton Pitman; and great-grandson, Cooper Sauls. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, August 16 in Christian Family Chapel, 10365 Old St. Augustine Rd, with Rev. Tim Lusk and Rev. Doug Rutt as Officiants. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Community Hospice (4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32257), or the Christian Family Chapel Building Fund (10365 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257). Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.