Dr. Gearing was born Feb. 3, 1919, in Richmond, VA, and was the son of Dr. and Mrs. F. W. Gearing, Sr. of Woodstock, VA, where he grew up.
Dr. Gearing was a graduate of Massanutten Military Academy, Catholic University, and the Medical College of Virginia. Following service at the Pentagon in the United States Army, he returned to Woodstock where he joined his father in the General Practice of Medicine. Dr. Gearing became a Board Certified Radiologist at the UVA School of Medicine in 1958 and moved to Harrisonburg joining Dr. Mac Carter in the practice of radiology at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, where he worked until retirement in 1971.
Dr. Gearing served on the board of Blue Cross/Blue Shield for 5 years, President of RMH Medical Staff, Chair of American Cancer Society, and Board member of Harrisonburg-Rockingham Library. He took great pride in establishing a relationship with UVA radiation oncology to provide local treatment for cancer patients in Harrisonburg.
Dr. Gearing, in addition to his medical practice was an accomplished musician, playing saxophone and clarinet in dance bands up and down his beloved Shenandoah Valley in his youth; while living in Woodstock he organized a community orchestra. His most recent group was the Massanutten Sympathy Boys, that he delighted in and enjoyed until he was 91.
Dr. Gearing is survived by his wife, Mary Chesnut of Massanutten. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary C. Gearing, his parents, and his two brothers, John and Edward.
He is survived by a son, Dr. F. W. Gearing, III, and his wife, Jean, of Harrisonburg, a daughter, Mary C. Gearing of Woodstock; grandchildren, include Brian Gearing and wife, Janneke; Katherine Sorensen and husband, Reed; Ned Gearing and wife, Alexis; Scottie Gearing; Elizabeth Gearing and partner, Michael; and Raymond Foster and wife, Julia; great-grandchildren include Jackson, Luc, Madison, Asher, Robert, Silas, and Keely; he is survived by many nieces and nephews; step-children include Meg and Kent James and family, and Bud and Debbie Titloe and family.
The family will receive friends at the home of Dr. Frank Gearing, III, on Thursday, from 6:30-8:30 pm.
A memorial service will be conducted at 10:30 AM, Friday at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Harrisonburg with private graveside service following at Woodbine Cemetery.
As a supporter of many charities, Dr. Gearing would be honored by a contribution to the charity of one’s choice.
Lindsey Funeral Homes and Crematory is handling arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18