Paul Bearss

BEARSS, Paul O., 90, passed away August 31, 2006. A native of Tampa, he was an active member of Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church and a 1933 graduate of Hillsborough High School. Paul's grandfather, Isaac Bearss, was the founder of the church, and his parents, W. O. and Ollie Martin Bearss, were both charter members when the church was organized in 1895. Paul was a citrus grower and served on the first State of Florida Citrus Budwood Certification Committee. He served as a member of the Hillsborough County Planning Commission when the plans for the Tampa International Airport were approved. On August 30, 1946, Paul married Mary Louise Hebble. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, three daughters, Marilynn Bearss, Sue Bearss Carr, and Velva Bearss Wilson and husband Will; and one son, Martin Bearss and wife Louise, all of Tampa; six granddaughters, Doray Schofield Lendacky and husband Tom of Texas, Sandra Schofield, Vicki Schofield, Samantha Tucker Vega and husband Troy, Amanda Bearss and Elizabeth Bearss, all of Tampa; four grandsons, Garry Schofield of Tampa, Stephen Schofield of Royal Palm Beach, Gary Tucker and wife Lori, and Gordon Carr and wife Heather, all of Tampa; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren one nephew, John Robert Bearss and wife Laneve of Cairo, Ga.; and a number of loving great nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death by a son, Gordon Bearss, his parents, two sisters and two brothers. Memorial services will be conducted 4 p.m. Sunday, September 3, 2006, at Blount ' Curry Funeral Home, Carrollwood chapel. A gathering of family and friends will begin one hour prior to the service. Rememberances: Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church Building Fund, 2902 West Fletcher Ave., Tampa, FL 33618.