Frank William 'Bill' Gearhart

Frank William Bill Gearhart, 83, of Salem, died Sunday, October 7, 2012, at home in the presence of his family. He was born September 23, 1929 in Salem, VA son of the late Frank Joseph and Ethel Wallace Gearhart. He attended Salem schools and was a graduate of Auburn University; he proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Following a very successful career in sales with Miller Tire Service and Brad Ragan Inc, He retired in 1992 and enjoyed his retirement years camping, going to NASCAR races, gardening, woodworking, and traveling with his family. He was a long time member of the Locust Grove United Methodist Church in Salem where he served many years on the board of trustees. He married Pearl Hardwick on July 24, 1963. Along with his parents he is preceded in death by a son Gary Gearhart, of Ragland, Alabama, two sisters Ardeth Preas and Oveda Rose both of Salem, and one brother Ralph Gearhart, Of Salem. Along with his wife Pearl Gearhart he is survived by two sons Steven Scott Gearhart (Cheri) of Riverforest, Illinois and Shawn Christopher Gearhart (Kelly) of Roanoke, Virginia, surviving grandchildren are Frank William Gearhart II, Calvin Thomas Gearhart, Virginia Scott Gearhart, Brittany Faith Davis, Greta Elizabeth Gearhart, Haylie Vaughn Ayers, Heidi Elaine Gearhart, Melanie Gearhart, and Gary Wayne Gearhart. He is also survived by one brother, George Gearhart (Becky) of Salem, VA, two nephews, Keith Gearhart (Cheryl) and Paige Gearhart, and one niece, Barbara Barbarics (Dennis). Family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 from 5-7 PM at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home. 540-389-5441 A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 10, at 11:00 AM at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem with Pastor Ben Lockhart presiding. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Locust Grove United Methodist Church, 3415 Locust Grove Lane, Salem VA. 24153. An online guest book is available at johnmoakey.com