Joseph William Shearon Obituary
Joseph William Shearon of Louisburg, NC passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon June 8, 2025. He was 96-years-old. The Shearon family is saddened by the passing of their beloved father and grandfather. Though the family is native to North Carolina, Joe was born in Evansville, IN on New Years Eve, December 31, 1928. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Nancy, in 2006.
Surviving Joe are the couple's two sons. Keith Shearon, wife Liz and their daughter Sarah Hicks, husband Peter, their children, Solomon, Judah, Miriam and Benjamin, and daughter Jessica Baker, husband Brandon and their daughter Helena. Mark Shearon, wife Rhonda and their son, Jonathan Love, wife Kristie and their children Kaylie, Kaleb and Kolton, and daughter Jennifer DePizzol, husband Jarrett and their son James.
The family will receive visitors, family, and friends at Louisburg Baptist Church on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 2PM. A memorial service will commence at 3 PM, followed by a private graveside remembrance. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to Louisburg Baptist Church in memory of Joe.
Joe was preceded in death by his father, William Garland Shearon, mother, Charlotte Neal Shearon and his younger brother, Jerry. He graduated from Mills High School in 1947 and he took an early interest in aviation, learning to fly when he was just 16-years-old. He treasured a dollar bill signed by other local pilots on the event of his solo flight. His love of flying fueled Joe's progression to attain commercial pilot and flight instructor licenses. For a time he enjoyed teaching others to fly with his own airplane while operating one of Franklin County's early airports.
While studying at Louisburg College, Joe met "pretty Nash County girl", Nancy Boone. He endeared himself to Nancy's siblings with a unique approach to courting. He flew his aircraft low and slow over the Boone house, calling out to her, her brothers, and sister. Nancy and Joe married on November 25, 1952.
Joe began his lifelong career with the NC Army National Guard by attending aviation mechanic school in San Marcus, Texas. He retired with 42 years of service in 1989. He worked his way up through aircraft maintenance and flight operations to the aviation office of the Adjutant General of NC.
Joe was active in the Louisburg Community for many years. He was a member of the Louisburg Rescue Squad for 15 years. In retirement, he was elected to the Louisburg Town Council for five consecutive terms. Subsequently he served as a board member of the NC League of Municipalities, the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Government in Risk Management, the Tar-Pamlico River Basin Regional Council, and the Franklin County Arts Council.
Joe attended Louisburg Baptist Church for more than 40 years where he and Nancy were both active members. He served a stint as Sunday School Director, another as Deacon, and perhaps most often he was seen singing bass in the choir for more than 20 years.
A common thread for Joe was his devotion and love for Nancy, by her side daily in a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's, and for their sons and families. Always faithful to help others and to provide support and guidance when most needed.
