of Harrison, AR
October 28, 1955 - September 26, 2022
Bill F. Mears M.D. of Harrison, Arkansas passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, September 26th, 2022 at the age of 66. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on October 28th, 1955 to Willie Washington Mears and Johnnie Harrison Mears.
Bill spent his formative years in Marshall, Arkansas where he developed a love for the outdoors and an appreciation for community that never quite left him. Spending his early years hunting and fishing with his uncles helped to propel his interest in nature and tie him to the area he called home. Bill was a skilled trombonist in the Marshall High School band where he graduated in 1973 as salutatorian. He continued his education, attending the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and graduated with honors in 1977. From a young age Bill knew he wanted to be a doctor. He fulfilled this ambition when he graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine in 1982, completed an internal medicine residency in 1985, and a cardiovascular disease fellowship in 1988. After graduating, Bill joined Springdale Cardiology Clinic in Springdale, Arkansas until he opened Harrison Cardiology Clinic in Harrison, Arkansas in 1992. In addition, Bill was instrumental in bringing AirEvac Lifeteam to this area and surrounding communities. Bill kept close ties with his Marshall community throughout his life. In 1997 he received a distinguished alumnus award from Marshall High School. He would eventually help the aging community by traveling to Marshall once a week to provide clinical services for patients who couldn't make the commute to Harrison. He continued to treat patients until his retirement in 2018. Bill was charitable without the need or want of recognition. He was a generous and caring human being who helped many people, a truly selfless individual who made the world a better place.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Johnnie Mears; aunt, Flora Mears Mainord; uncle, Bud Mainord; and cousin, A. Lee Wilhelm.
Survivors include his spouse of 32 years, Sharon Alona Freeland of Harrison; son, Willis Dean Porter and wife Kristina Marie of Memphis; two grandchildren, Elle Louise Porter and Owen Mears Porter; and four Bassett hounds, Jerry Lee, Lucy, Josephine and Wilbur.
Funeral services for Bill will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, October 5th, 2022 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Claudia Brigham officiating. Burial will follow in Marshall Memorial Gardens. Bearers will be Steve Thompson, Sid Lowrance, Teryl Ortego, Josh Bundy, Chad Bundy, Jared Horton, Matt Magness and Willis Dean Porter. Honorary bearers will be Mark Ellis, Dr. John Wah, Bob Evans, Dr. Ron Revard, Bob Coker and Rob Morton.
At the family's request donations may be made in Dr. Mears memory to Searcy County Humane Society, PO Box 543, Marshall, AR 72650 or Ozark Humane Society, PO Box 542, Harrison, AR 72602.
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55 Condolence(s)
rickey jones
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Carol King
Friday, November 18, 2022
I just heard this today by one of the staff at the hospital, and I was very saddened to hear that he had passed. He was my cardiologist for many years until he retired, and I was very devastated when he retired, but I knew that he was very tired and needed to retire. He was such a wonderful man and took care of all of my cardiology issues.
Randy Massey
Friday, October 21, 2022
Bill and I went through every grade together. He told me in the second grade that he wanted to be a doctor. We played trombone together. I gave him his first motorcycle ride. We both were fans of Black Oak Arkansas and Cara Williams. He wanted his name to be William Frederick. He was a sweet soul, a kind friend, and an important classmate. He came down to Arkansas Tech to visit me, Troy, Gary, Russell, Jerry, and the other Marshall boys, and we went out on the school farm near the lake and had a Bobcat party. Goodbye old pal.
Jerry and Elaine
Monday, October 17, 2022
I was deeply sadden to hear of Bill passing. 😞 Bill was a wonderful person and Dr. He will be missed. Sharon and family, you will be kept in our thoughts and know that our healing prayers are covering you. We are here for you.
Rebecca & Rick
Friday, October 7, 2022
I just heard this today. Dr. Mears took care of both my dad and mom. Other cousins and members of my family, including myself.
He was so nice and patient with all, especially the elderly ones.
This community will miss him, as a physician and as a decent human.
Prayers for all the family and RIP Doctor Mears.
Ken Kilgore, MD
Friday, October 7, 2022
I have known Bill since meeting him in 1984. He was a senior Internal Medicine resident when I was a third year med-student. He was funny & friendly to me & my peers. He always encouraged the younger guys/gals, which stood out as an unusual trait for the upperclassmen.
Twenty years later when we were both in medical practices in N. Arkansas, I was honored when he asked me to provide his ophthalmic care.
Through the years, I really enjoyed all my interactions with Bill. We were both from similar rural upbringings & we always understood & related well with each other.
Bill Mears had a sweet, sweet soul-I truly loved him & I’m sorry he’s gone.
I miss him already & look forward to seeing him again.
David & Coleen Melssen
Thursday, October 6, 2022
So sorry to hear this Sharon. You and yours are in our thoughts and prayers
Dave & Coleen
Sylvia Kilgore
Thursday, October 6, 2022
I am heartbroken to learn of Bill’s death. We met at the University of Arkansas, and I was privileged to work with Dr Mears in Harrison, both at the hospital and serving together as members of the American Heart Association.
I am so sorry for your loss, Sharon.
He was truly a gift to our community, both personally and professionally.
Kristi Gray
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Sharon, I am so sorry for your loss. The time I worked for him was great. I always respected him. He was a good man. You have my condolences.
Andrea Burris
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
You will be missed, Dr. Mears! Sending so much love to your family!
Richard Sparrow
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Dr. Mears took care of me until retirement. We developed a friendship that meant so much to me. Gloria and I pray for comfort and peace for his family in the days ahead.
Rick and Gloria
Sandy Taylor
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
I'm so sorry to hear of Dr. Mears passing. He was a wonderful man and doctor. He treated both my father and my husband when we lived in Harrison.
Lila Nettell
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Was blessed to have him as my doctor til his retirement. My thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends.
Leanna McCutchen
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
God be with you Sharon during this difficult time. Bill was a wonderful man, he was my friend, and I will miss him.
judy and Phillip Willey
Monday, October 3, 2022
Sharon, Willis and family. Our hearts are saddened by Bill's passing. We know he will be missed by all who knew him. He was a caring person, and I know Jackson and Willis have many great memories that he helped make for them. Our love and prayers are with you all. May God give you comfort and peace in all your memories of Bill.
Love, Judy and Phil
Sue Nan Wheeler
Monday, October 3, 2022
Dr. Mears, or Billy Fred as I knew him, grew up in a neighborhood one street over from mine. I have memories of seeing him playing on his front porch. I knew he was a bright person who would accomplish great things. Like many have recounted, I remember him as being a kind, sweet person.
My sincere sympathies go out to his family and dear friends.
Louis Melton
Monday, October 3, 2022
A Truly Good Man A Long Time Friend
Will Miss You Bill!!!!!!
RIP My Good Friend
Louis
Mark & Joyce Ellis
Monday, October 3, 2022
We love you and miss you already . Could not have had a better friend
Andrew Coble
Monday, October 3, 2022
It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve our community alongside such a dedicated provider, not to mention such a good person. I was blessed to be able to learn from and work with Dr. Mears since I was a wide eyed 20 year old EMT in the early nineties, and to get to know him through the years and through the transition to med school and back here after residency was amazing. I am proud and thankful that I got back before his retirement and can call him a colleague and a friend. He will be sorely missed on every level.
Barb Rollins Owens
Monday, October 3, 2022
So enjoyed working with .Dr. Mears at NWMC, he was brilliant , caring person
Sunna Cash
Monday, October 3, 2022
It was such a pleasure working with him during his time @ SMH. Such a warm personality. RIP Dr. Mears.
Sandy & Bob Wilkins
Monday, October 3, 2022
I’m so sorry to hear, I’ve worked with Billy Fred for a while! He had a very sweet heart! Our prayers & thoughts go out to family & friends! He was a good man & friend! ðŸ™
Rob and Tonya Lambert
Sunday, October 2, 2022
Bill and our family were very close during our medical residency at UAMS; he was really part of our family and still asked about our children only a few months ago. He certainly was one of the kindest person we ever met and he will be very much be missed.
Sid and Lea Ann Tudor Lowrance
Sunday, October 2, 2022
It is so sad for the loss of one great man, great friend and friend to Searcy County and Marshall. Bill was my heart doctor for many years. We were members of Dr. Charles Daniels deer camp. We spoke and text every few days, which I will miss dearly. Each time we spoke he always ask what was going on in Marshall and Searcy County, he wanted to keep in the know of his home place. Bill was always giving to the Marshall Rotary Club and the Marshall school always asking just what was needed and just now he could help. He was a great man with a very big heart. He loved the people of the area. Bill like many others will be missed. Man and women like Doctor Bill Fred Mears are going on to a better place and will truly be missed. God Bless You my friend.
Albert & Anna (Rainbolt) Maze
Saturday, October 1, 2022
We are saddened to hear of our one time Marshall neighbor passing away. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Tollie Sutterfield
Friday, September 30, 2022
I was saddened to hear of Billy Fred’s passing. I was privileged to be his science teacher in the 7th and 8th grades in Marshall Schools. He was one of those students that every teacher desired to have in his class. He had a brilliant mind. After he became a doctor and started his practice here in Harrison, I would tease him in front of his peers and say, “I taught Billy Fred all he knows but not all that I know.†He always got a kick out of that and laughed that laugh of his because he knew, as well as everyone else, that he was much more intelligent than I was. I was blessed to know him, and he will be greatly missed.
Eddie & Pam Cannada
Friday, September 30, 2022
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Billy Fred was a kind and generous man.
Alice Daniel
Friday, September 30, 2022
I am heartbroken over the loss of our good friend, Billy Fred/Dr. Mears. He was so helpful with my husband, George, the last few years of his life. He called and visited with him and I can still hear George laughing at something he said on the phone! They were deer camp buddies at Archey Creek deer camp. They always had lots of fun there! His Dad and Mom went to the Methodist Church so we were church friends. His Mom and I taught school together when I first began my career. I loved Billy Fred and his family. He was a kind, caring man and a brilliant Doctor! He will be missed by all who knew him! My thoughts and prayers are with Sharon and all of their family. Rest In Peace, Dr. Mears.
Malinda Cash
Friday, September 30, 2022
As so many have expressed, Billy Fred was a genuinely good man with a big, kind, generous heart. He will be missed by all of us that knew and loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Jean Keck
Friday, September 30, 2022
RIP,Dr Mears,
Patsy Williams Itaya
Friday, September 30, 2022
My sisters, Cara, Cherie and Susan, and I were saddened to hear of Billy Fred’s passing. He was a genuinely nice person and will be missed by his friends.
Barbara Smith
Friday, September 30, 2022
I reallly hated to hear of Billy Fred passing. He was a truly nice guy. He was always surrounded by people who truly loved him. In school if you seen him around he was always surrounded by girls. Always. He had a smile on his face. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends.
Don Moore
Thursday, September 29, 2022
Rest In Peace big fellow! Thanks for being my friend and helping to save my life all those years ago.
Floyd Balentine
Thursday, September 29, 2022
I'm heartbroken to hear about my friend Billy Fred, just reconnected with him last month, we were going to get together and visit, he was GREAT guy, you will be missed
James & Sara Myatt
Thursday, September 29, 2022
So sorry to hear of Billy Fred’s passing. Fond memories of fun times growing up in Marshall. RIP Billy Fred. Condolences for family and loved ones.
Dana Horton
Thursday, September 29, 2022
So sorry to hear this news. Prayers are with you and your family.
Don Moore
Thursday, September 29, 2022
Rest In Peace big fellow! Thanks for being my friend and helping to save my life all those years ago.
Phil Pulis
Thursday, September 29, 2022
A truly good guy.
Mike Harris
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
I knew Billy Fred in school at Marshall. He was the Valedictorian of our class and was well liked. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and patients.
Wanda and Carl Hoppis
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
So sorry to hear about Dr Mears, he will be missed. I worked for Doc for almost 25 years and he was always caring with his patients and his employees. We used to have a good time going down to Marshall to see patients. He is with his mom and aunt and uncle whom he loved very much. Sending prayers for Sharon and family also for all Doc family and friends. Loved him a lot, Wanda and Carl Hoppis
Rita Dodson
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
So sorry to hear of Dr Mears passing, worked with him for many years. Considered him a good friend! Prayers for all the family!
Ramona Bates
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
My heart hurts hearing this news. Bill was such a wonderful person. So very sorry to hear this.
Vicki Petree Stuart
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
I’m so sorry to hear of Dr. Mears passing. Having worked with him for many years when I lived in Arkansas I found him to be a sincerely caring doctor who always put his patients first. RIP Dr. Mears, I hope you are celebrating a Heavenly reunion with those you loved so much. Vicki
Cindy Adams
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
I met B Fred through my brother Steve. His sense of humor….hilarious.
Good down to earth human being.
To all close to him, I express sorrow for your loss.
Bobbie Reddelloh man
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Oh man I hate hearing the loss of this man/ Dr. I worked for him for 14 yrs. he had the biggest heart, truly was a caring Dr.& good friend. I loved to do clinic at Marshall with him,the ride down there always an interesting conversation & trip. I loved to do our tater& beans day at work for him especially on his BD.I felt honored because he told me I was the only one that could cook taters like his mom. Going to miss him big time. Prayers to Sharon & family ðŸ™ðŸ™
Jimmy and Beverly Horton
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Cara Williams
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Billy Fred was such a wonderful person. It is heartbreaking that he is gone so soon.
Bill Coffman
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
As with other posters, I too remember "Billy Fred" from his school days in Marshall. I was younger, but as a "band geek", I looked up to his leadership of the MHS Band from when he was drum major. I always knew he would do great things and he certainly did! I know he will be missed by his surviving family and patients.
Christy Lack Smith
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
My earliest memories of Bill are of living down the street from him and his family in Marshall. Even when we were in elementary school, he was on track to become a physician, as evidenced by the authentic medical equipment he collected and sometimes allowed the younger kids in the neighborhood (including myself) to inspect. In addition to a brilliant mind and sharp wit, he had a beautiful voice which he sometimes shared in church. He lived out his dream and served his patients well. Godspeed, Billy Fred, I mean, "Dr. Mears". Christy Lack Smith, Ed.D.
thomasl leslie m.d.
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Love and miss you Bill. tom
Peggy Garrison
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
This is heartbreaking 💔. I have so many good memories of our childhood. Godspeed Billy Fred. Xoxo â¤ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»
Paul Ray and Mary Lois Halsted
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
So sorry to get this news he was my mamas doctor and son of third grade teacher in Marshall we always considered him friend prayers for everyone
Paul Ray and Mary Lois Halsted
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
So sorry to get this news he was my mamas doctor and son of third grade teacher in Marshall we always considered him friend prayers for everyone
Barbara Lane
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Graduated from high school with him. My grandmother’s garden bordered his parents backyard. We were in the same class play our senior year. Also had the honor and privilege of working with him at Harrison hospital. He will be missed.
Rick and Janice Horton
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Billy Fred has been a friend since childhood. His mother was my teacher in seventh grade, and his grandmother lived down the street from me. This makes me so sad. Our sincerest condolences and prayers for Billy Fred’s family and loved ones.