John “Jay” Wesley McLear, Jr., 92, husband of Rosalie Curry McLear, passed away on February 13, 2023 at Shenandoah Nursing and Rehab in Fishersville.
John was born on January 12, 1931 in Greenville to the late John “Wes” Wesley and Blanche Edmonia Moomau McLear.
He was a horologist (watchmaker) and owned and operated McLear Jeweler for over sixty years and a member of Staunton Church of the Brethren. He also volunteered many years of service to the Lions Club and March of Dimes.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two daughters, Linda McLear Oliva and her husband, Dick, and Susan McLear Gentry and her husband, Jeff, and; his sons, Michael McLear and his wife, Pat, and Tim McLear and Vicki Almarode; former daughter-in-law, Kathy McLear; as well as ten grandchildren: Kimberley McMahon, Justin McLear, Heather Tompkins, Richie Oliva, Jason Gentry, Ashley Gentry, Scott McLear, Taylor Swecker, Wesley McLear, and Dustin McLear; as well as nine great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, John Wesley McLear, III; his sisters, Delores McLear McCray and Carmelita Todaro; and his brothers, Paul W. McLear, Donald M. McLear, and Edward Thomas.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 17 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Henry Funeral Home.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Staunton Church of the Brethren (1615 N Coalter Street, Staunton, VA 24401), officiated by Reverend Scott Duffey. Interment will follow at Augusta Memorial Park in Waynesboro.
Pallbearers will be Matt Tompkins, Robert McMahon, Richie Oliva, Scott McLear, Justin McLear, Jason Gentry and Wesley McLear.