Joe Sears, age 79, of Alma passed away Friday, March 16, 2018 at Ogeechee Area Hospice after a short illness.  He was born in Alma, Georgia on October 19, 1938 to the late E. L. "Bill" Sears and Claudia Tanner Sears. Coach Sears retired from the Bacon County Department of Education after nearly 40 years of service as teacher, Coach for baseball, football and basketball, "famed" Drivers Ed Teacher, Assistant Principal and as the Bacon County Superintendent of Schools.  He was a member of the Alma United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Sylvia Sweat Sears of Alma, three daughters, Heather Cauley (Mark) of Spring City, TN, Shannon Mancil (Kem) of Lakeland, GA and Erin Ellis (Josh) of Alma, GA, two sisters, Johnnie Faye Beckart of Alma, GA and Jeannie Wade (Ralph) of St. Simons Island, GA, a brother, Bill Sears (Sue) of Newnan, GA, 12 grandchildren and 1 great- grandchild.  He was proceeded in death by his mother, father and brothers George, Jack and Bobby Sears.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 18th at the Alma United Methodist Church from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM , Funeral service will begin at 3:00 PM with Rev. Allen Hartsfield and Rev. Craig Rikard officiating. Interment will follow in Lee's Chapel Church Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be his grandsons:   Thomas Mancil, Jackson Cauley, Samuel Mancil, George Henry Cauley, Mason Ellis and Joe Thomas Cauley.  Honorary pallbearers will be; The Bacon County Class of 1957.

Crosby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.