James Hairl Kear

Rev. James H. Kear, age 89, of Knoxville, went on to live with the Lord in peaceful resolve at his home Sunday, July 26, 2015. He was born on December 12th 1925 in Sevierville, Tennessee. He was a member of the Freedom House Church of God, and was a retired minister in the Church of God after 35 years. He was ordained as a minister in the Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee on July 15th of 1954. He pastored six churches in his career at Middlecreek, Smithville, Sparta, and Knoxville, Tennessee. Rev. Kear served on the Church of God State Council. He served 8 years as a board member of the Church of God Home for Children in Sevierville, Tennessee, and was appointed to an advisory board for Governor Bob Clement for consumer issues. He spent much of his retirement years serving congregations as an intern pastor. Rev. Kear was a builder of several churches and pastoral parsonages in the state of Tennessee. He was a compassionate, loving and dedicated family man. He was dedicated to serving his Heavenly Father, his loving and supportive wife and family, and his cherished congregations. Rev. Kear was preceded in death by his parents, Ora and Maggie-Plemons Kear; and sister, Geneva-Kear Scates. He is survived by his beloved bride of 72 years, Bertha Berry Kear; daughter, Ruth Kear Wilson and husband, Jack; sons, Wayne Kear and wife, Peggy, and Earl Kear and wife, Wanda, all of Knoxville; brothers, Ray Kear and wife, Betty, of Dandrige, TN, and Ralph Kear, of Knoxville. He leaves grandchildren, Connie Wilson Summey and husband, Doug, of Madisonville, TN, David Wilson and wife, Andria, of Murfreesboro, TN, and Karen Kear,

of Nashville, TN. He also leaves four great-grandchildren, Jordan and Dakota Summey, Isabella Kear and Callie Wilson. The family will receive friends 5:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 30, 2015 at Highland/Berry Funeral Home located at 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN. The funeral services will follow

being officiated jointly by Rev. Travis Ballinger from Freedom House Church of God and Rev. Jullian Robinson, of Cleveland, TN. A private interment will be held for family members on Friday at Highland/Berry Cemetery. The family wishes to express their appreciation for the kindness, thoughts and prayers received during this time. We are especially appreciative to Covenant Homecare and Hospice for their exceptional care and concern for the patient and family.