ROCKY MOUNT - Hugh Gaither Shearin, 86, died Monday, April 4, 2011. A celebration service was held Friday, April 8, at Lakeside Baptist Church. Burial followed at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.

He was born in Franklin County, son of the late H. B. Shearin Sr. and Mae Gupton Shearin. He attended Gold Sand High School. He was a U. S. Army veteran of WWII, serving from 1943-45. He received a Purple Heart, three Bronze Star medals, and several other medals of service. He was a businessman with affiliations with several businesses, primarily Stallings Oil Company, Truck Stops of America and Super Flame Gas Company.

He was preceded in death by his son, Hugh Gaither Shearin Jr.; brothers, Ronald Shearin and Creech Shearin; and sister, Ruby Allsbrook.

Surviving: wife, June Stallings Shearin; daughters, Jan Shearin Bobbitt (Brad) and Gaye Shearin Brinn (Ray); sisters, Hodgie Shearin McGinty and Louise Shearin Riddick; brother, H. B. Shearin Jr. (Edith); 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Flowers accepted or memorials may be made to Sudan Shriners Hospitals for Children, 403 E. Front Street, New Bern, NC 28560 or the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center, CB #7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.

Arrangements by Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, Rocky Mount. You may share your memories and condolences to the Shearin family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.