James David Mears

James David Mears
'JD'
ENFIELD -- Mr. Mears, age 87 died Friday, July 31, 2009. He was born and educated in Edgecombe County. He enlisted in the Navy in 1942 where his patrol craft was the first United States vessel hit by enemy fire during the D-Day invasion. Mr. Mears was a Purple Heart recipient. He also served in the Okinawa invasion. Mr. Mears was discharged from the Navy in 1945 as a Chief Petty Officer. Following his service to our country, he owned and operated Mears Jewelry in Enfield, NC, from 1952 to 1985.
Survivors include his wife, Florence Draper Mears of Tarboro, NC, daughter, Brenda Mears Craig and her husband Mike of Charlotte, NC, grandchildren; Kelli Craig Snyder and her husband Jeff, Anna Craig Gatlin and her husband John, Alison Dunn and her husband Don, and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, August 3, 2009, at 11 A.M. at the Enfield Baptist Church with the Rev. Marc Sanders officiating. The interment will follow at the Elmwood Cemetery in Enfield, NC, with Masonic rites.
The family will receive friends Monday at the Enfield Baptist Church Fellowship Hall from 10 AM to the time of service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Enfield Baptist Church, 200 West Burnette Avenue, Enfield, NC 27823.
Sykes Funeral Service of Scotland Neck is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be directed to the family at www.sykesfuneralservice.com.