Robert "Bob" John Shearon

1926-2021

Bob Shearon passed away peacefully on Thursday morning February 4, 2021 at the age of 94. He is survived by his sons John Steven Shearon, Louis Michael Shearon, Joseph Christopher Shearon, and Paul Andrew Shearon and his daughter, Jean Marie Shearon-Allen. He is survived by his grandchildren Heather Morse, Dayley Gray, Lindsay Shearon, Matthew Shearon, Adison Shearon, Keaton Reeder, Amara Randle-Shearon, and Robert J. Shearon. He is also survived by nephews Douglas Shearon, Scott Baker, Mark Shearon, Charles Shearon, Brian and his wife, Toni Shearon, nieces Janelle Mahaney and Shearon Peterson, daughters-in-law Amy Shearon and Jeannette Shearon and son-in-law Michael Allen. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Mary Damaris Shearon, his parents, Newton Wilson Shearon and Bessie Shearon, his brothers, Millard Shearon and Morris "MB" Shearon, and sister, Maxine Shearon Gupton.

Bob was born and raised in Ashland City, Tennessee. He graduated from Cheatham County Central High School where he a was a starter on the basketball team. When World War II broke out, Bob was eager to serve his country and immediately joined the United States Navy after graduating from high school in May of 1944. He was sent to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for basic training and soon afterwards was sent to San Francisco to await orders. At the young age of 17, he found himself assigned to the U.S.S. Jackson bound for the South Pacific to fight against the Japanese. Bob was a "loader" on anti-aircraft guns and served honorably in any job assigned to him, including "shopkeeper" and the difficult role of "stretcher bearer," aiding wounded and dying soldiers. He fought at Iwo Jima, one of the fiercest and bloodiest

battles of the war. His ship and crew were also involved in many other engagements in the Pacific theater including Guam, the Philippines, Leyte Gulf, and Peleliu. Bob was awarded many medals for his service in World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned home to Ashland City, Tennessee.

He studied at Peabody College in Nashville but was soon called back to service when the Korean War broke out. This time Bob served in the United States Army as a Master Sergeant and remained stateside transporting troops for the duration of the war. After being honorably discharged again, Bob returned to Nashville, Tennessee and began a long career at Gulf Oil Corporation that lasted 38 years. In Nashville, he also met and married his soulmate, "Dee" in 1955.

Bob was very successful in his career at Gulf because of his strong work ethic, personality, and the way he treated other people. He held many positions and rose to the level of Vice President of T.B.A. in the 1980's. His jobs required several transfers that landed he and his family in the cities of Memphis, TN, Tulsa, OK, Little Rock, AR, Arlington, TX, New Orleans, LA, and finally finishing in Houston, TX.

Bob and Dee were always faithful to their church in each city they resided. They raised their children to believe in God, instilling in them a strong sense of honesty and integrity. They were wise and loving parents always ready to listen and help. Bob worked hard, but always found time to spend with his kids taking them to play baseball, basketball, swimming, camping, fishing, and attending their various sporting events and concerts. Bob took great pride in his home and landscape and worked hard to maintain them while still allowing his boys to have front yard football games that badly tore up his beautiful lawn. Bob was an avid gardener and was known for his abundant crops of homegrown tomatoes.

Bob was a voracious reader of many types of books and loved to play golf. He was fortunate enough to play golf at some of the finest courses around the country. He loved to travel and was always ready for new adventures and road trips. Bob was a dedicated volunteer helping many different organizations. For decades, he donated blood on a regular basis. Bob was a dearly beloved husband, father, and truly a friend to everyone he met. Simply put, he loved people, and was loved by many.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.