Willie Edward Mears

Mr. William “Willie” Edward Mears, 93, passed away at his home in Parksley, VA on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. He was welcomed at heaven’s gate by his Lord and Savior and his beloved wife of 73 years, Jacqueline Douglas Bull “Jackie” Mears. Born October 30, 1930 just outside of Parksley, in Muttonhunk, VA, he was the son of the late Rooker W. Mears and Elizabeth Matthews “E.” Mears.

Willie graduated from Parksley High School, where he and Jackie met, and they later married on February 2, 1951. They made their home in Parksley, where they were both raised, and continued their families’ legacies of dedication to community, church, and family. They worked side by side as the owners and operators of Accomac Candy Company and The Village Shop, and were faithful members of Parksley Baptist Church for more than seven decades. Willie was a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club of Accomack and the Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce where he was a past president. He played an integral part in creating the Chamber’s Seafood Festival on Chincoteague Island, that quickly became an annual success for the community. Willie especially looked forward to road trips with Jackie, having visited nearly every state in the U.S. He adored his family and shared a special bond with his grandsons.

Willie is survived by his daughters, Beth Scott of Melfa, VA and Alisin Jackson of Parksley; grandchildren, Chase Scott (Katey), Luke Scott (Kristen), Zachary Figgs, Jakob William L. Jackson, and Sadie Elizabeth M. Jackson; great-grandchildren, Lily, Trower, and Carrie Anne Scott, and Camden and Lucas Scott; as well as special friends, Dave Parks, Parks Abrams, and Kim Saunders.

Funeral services will be held at Parksley Baptist Church on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., with The Reverend Mark Layne officiating. There will be a visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. The family will gather for private interment at the Parksley Cemetery.

Contributions in Willie’s memory may be made to Parksley Baptist Church, P.O. Box 375, Parksley, VA 23421 or to the Parksley Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 14, Parksley, VA 23421.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.

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