BERLIN — Larry Edgar Gears passed away Monday, July 9, 2012,
at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury.  Born in Chestertown, he was the son of the late James T.
Gears, Jr. and Margaret Morris Gears.

Mr. Gears was a graduate of Chestertown High School, Towson
State University and Washington College, where he earned a master’s degree in
psychology. He taught school at Chestertown Middle School, where he started a
rocketry club for his students. After moving to Berlin with his family, he
taught at Berlin Middle School in the math and science departments. Upon
retiring from the school system, he entered the insurance industry, working as
an agent for Prudential and later New York Life, retiring several years ago. At
various times he was a beekeeper, farmer, gardener and muscle car and aviation
enthusiast.

He is survived by his wife, Penny Hudson Gears; their three
sons, Nathan Gears and his wife, Liz, David Gears and Cary Gears; a brother,
Thomas Gears of Rock Hall; a sister, Margaret Ann Bolton of Harrisonburg, Va.;
beloved grandchildren, Hailey, Brittany, Jackie, Bridgett, Jessie and David;
and numerous special nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. He was preceded in
death by a brother, Henry Gears; a sister, Elsie Bryden; one infant brother;
and one child sister.

A funeral service was held Thursday, July 12, at Burbage
Funeral Home in Berlin. Pastor Phil Timmons officiated. A private interment
will follow at a later date for family and friends in Chestertown at St. Paul’s
Parish Kent Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory
to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802 or to the NRA
Foundation, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030.