William "Bill" Gearing was born February 25, 1924 to the late William Gearing I and Mary Lois Gearing Harris of Canton, Georgia.
He attended Canton School, but was drafted into the military at the age of 16 during World War II. When returning from the War, he continued his education by going to night school and working a full time job during the day at Canton Cotton mills and later Lockheed Aircraft where he later retired.
He joined Hickory Log Church and served on the Deacon Board, Usher Board and was a member of the Beavers Club for many years. He Loved his church. He was an avid gardener and carpenter.
William is preceded in death by his children; Melvin L. Keith, Johnnie Gearing, William Gearing III and Gary L. Gearing and sisters; Dollie Mae Humphries, Ruth Varner Gearing, Emma Jean Johnson Gearing, Martha Gearing, Barbara A. Gearing, brothers; Bobby C. Gearing, Ben R. Gearing, Paul A. Gearing and James "Bootlegger" Gearing.
He is survived by his wife; Betty Gearing, Covington, GA, daughters; Sharon Gearing Benjamin, Atlanta, GA, Barbara Gearing Johnson, Dallas, GA, son; Terry M. Keith, Canton, GA, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, brothers; John T. Gearing, Canton, GA, Charles (Jerolene) Gearing, Canton, GA, and two special cousins Walter L. Gearing and Mr. Robert (Bobby) Watts.
A Memorial Service will be held at Sunday June 9, 2019 at 4:00PM from the Chapel of Darby Funeral Home with Bishop C.D. Gearing, Jr. Officiating.
The Staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gearing family.