(MURFREESBORO) For more than 15 years Bill Mears represented Santa Claus in the Murfreesboro Christmas Parade. He passed away this past Monday (4/13/2020).
Bill was born in Cannon County, but lived most of his life in Rutherford County. He attended Walter Hill School and MTSU.
Mears was an Army veteran and retired from the Department of Corrections with the State of Tennessee.
Parade Coordinator Lee Ann Walker said, "He truly enjoyed being the Santa for children of all ages year after year. Bill was always concerned that children didn't see him before he made his grand "entrance" on the Hayne's Candy Company float following the last high school band. Bill was there rain or shine."
She noted, "While he made lots of appearances around the county, he never asked to be paid as he said the parade was his biggest advertisement and it was the highlight of the year for him."
Walker concluded, "When he wouldn't be able to continue because of his health, all our volunteers and organizers knew we how much we would miss his very heartfelt Ho Ho Ho!"
Obituary
Bill's parents were the late William Jefferson Mears and Sepal Durham Mears. He is predeceased by sisters, Jane Barrett and Betty Hall as well as brothers Gentry and David Mears. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Paulette Cooper Mears; daughter, Sara (Mitchell) Rollins; son, William J. (Kim) Mears; step-daughters, Amy (Clyde) Willis and Lori Fann; brothers, Jesse Mears, Billy Mears; sisters, Mary Brumit, Vickie Evans; grandchildren, Heather (Tim) Anderson, Stacie (Rob) McMahon, McKala Rollins, Hope Rollins, Collin, Rollins, Brianna Fann and Hunter Fann, Molly Waggoner; and great-grandchildren, Sara Kate, Walker William and Skylar Grace.
Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 820 South Church St., is in charge of burial arrangements. In consideration for the health and safety of family and friends, a private graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 17, 2020 in Roselawn Memorial Gardens with Kevin Dye and Jimmy Carver officiating.