WAYCROSS — Mr. Joseph Shear, 72, of Waycross, died early Monday morning. January 5, 2026, at his residence after an extended illness.
He was born in Quincy, Ill., on February 9, 1953. He graduated from Fernandina Beach High School in 1971. He was a paint and body man who owned his own business called Joe’s Custom Paint and Body Shop for a number of years before going to work for Walker-Jones. He retired from Walker-Jones in February of 2018 after 25 years of service.
He loved old cars, watching the Atlanta Braves and the University of Georgia Bulldogs. His greatest passion was playing the guitar, which he began playing at a young age. Shear played in many bands, such as Joyful Noise, Custer’s Last Band, Down Home with Eddie Middleton, and the Keepers.
In 2004, he decided to devote his talent to serving the Lord, so he began playing the guitar at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear, where he served for 10 years. He continued his service at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church until his health declined
Shear
in 2025.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Sweat Scharhag; his maternal grandparents, Will and Lydia Sweat; his brother, Jerry Shear, Sr.; his sister-in-law, Wanda Shear, and his brother-inlaw, Lynn Reed.
Shear is survived by his wife, Lisa Shear of Waycross; his son, Brent Shear (Amber) of Tallahassee, Fla.; three grandchildren, Brayden, Paisley and Alivia. He is also survived by his wife’s two sons, Clent Cannon (Jane Erin) and their son Tobyn Cannon of Waycross, and Chad Cannon (Jennifer) and their children, Weslyn and Brooks of St. Mary’s; one sister, Judy Reed of Wilmington, N.C.; his father- in-law and motherin- law, Wesley and Deniece Crews of Waycross; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sharon and Dee Claborn of Waycross, and Chuck and Virgina Crews of Greenville, S.C.; his niece, Angie Coggin (Jimmy) of Slidell, La.; his nephew, Jerry Shear, Jr. (Kristen) of Slidell; as well as numerous other relatives.
The family would like to show its sincere appreciation to Hospice Satilla, and his caregivers, Melanie Dixon and Kylie Sumner for the exceptional and compassionate care they gave to Shear during his illness.
A funeral service was held January 8 at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. A burial followed in Greenlawn Cemetery.
The Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Adult Men Sunday School Class and Praise Band as well as former band mates at Emmanuel Baptist Church and any other former band members he played with throughout the years were honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, 31501.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com.
