Michael Ross Mears

Time goes so slow and is gone so fast. Michael Ross Mears stepped off the planet after 294 seasons on this earth due to complications of heart failure.

Son of the late Velma Swanger Mears (1991) and Leroy Mears (1996), Mike was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn McClellan of 50 years. He is survived by his daughter Corinne, his constant companion and service dog Daisy, and his menagerie of beloved pets. Mike will always be remembered for the heartache he felt for helpless and abused animals. 

Graduate of Pisgah class of 69, he was known to students and teachers alike as "SNOZ", nicknamed by the football coach after an incident with a ball to the face. It would stick and remained the rest of his life.

Mike was a Harley Davidson enthusiast and was a founding member of the Brutally Handsome Motorcycle Gang, riding all over the United States. He also loved film noir, his favorites being actress Donna Reed and actor John Dehner.

Mike served as a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam war as a Munitions Weapons Specialist on F4-E tactical fighter jet aircraft. With the use of the very first Laser Guided Munitions he was particularly proud of the small but pivotal role his crew played in finally bringing down Hanoi's famed Paul Doumer Bridge after years of aerial bombardment, and in loading the first Air Force ace in that war. He also served a tour of duty in the Republic of South Korea, specializing nuclear weapon deterrence during the Cold War.

Michael will be honored in a private internment and his ashes scattered on a day of high wind across his farm.

In lieu of flowers or memorials please give generously to Sarge's Animal Rescue of Haywood County, P.O. Box 854, Waynesville, NC 28786, or better yet, adopt a forlorn animal about to be put to Death, and name him "Mike".

The care of Mr. Mears has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.