of Searcy, AR
January 19, 1948 - January 13, 2025
On January 13, 2025, Arthur L. Shearin transitioned to his eternal home after an extended battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Arthur was born to Burton and Hattie Shearin on January 19, 1948 in Memphis, Tennessee. He was proud to have been raised on a farm in Bolivar where he acquired frugality and a work ethic that he carried with him throughout his life. Growing up, he was involved in 4H club and band where he played trombone and was drum major.
Arthur was an extraordinary student. He held the A.A. degree from Freed-Hardeman University, the B.A. in music from Harding University, the M.M. in voice from Memphis State University and the D.M.A. in choral music from the University of Colorado at Boulder. After military service, he taught at Harding from 1972 to 1974, where he served as director of the Chorale. From 1976 to 1982, Arthur was chairman of the Department of Music and director of the Chorale at Freed-Hardeman. He returned to Harding in 1982 and retired in 2014. In addition to his work as department chairman, he founded Concert Choir which he directed for 22 years. He also taught voice, vocal pedagogy and diction. He was Auditions Chairman for the southern region of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), a faculty sponsor for Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society, vice president of Region Nine (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas) of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and distinguished past president of the Searcy Kiwanis Club. He served as an elder of the College Church for 16 years and also co-taught the Faith Builders class until his health necessitated that he relinquish those duties.
Besides music, Arthur was passionate about his church and its history, his family, traveling, keeping a clean car, maintaining an immaculate yard, eating ice cream with a fork and being organized, punctual and frugal.
Arthur was preceded in death by his mother, Hattie Crawford Shearin; his father, James Burton Shearin and his brother, James Kenneth Shearin. He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Sheri Tipps Shearin; son, Jared Scott Shearin and daughter, Elizabeth Anne (Daniel) Thomason; nine grandchildren, Jordan (Anna), Keaton (Laurel), Cameron, Mariya and Aidan Shearin and Seth, Finn, Hattie Claire and Ford Thomason and two great-grandchildren, Evelynn and Everett Shearin. He is also survived by his brother, Michael (Nita) Shearin and his sister, Rosemarie (David) House; his niece, Ashley (Troy) Hudgens; nephew, Andy (Monica) House; great-nephews, Joshua and Jacob Hudgens, Caleb, Matthew and Levi House and great-niece, Naomi House.
The family expresses sincere appreciation to Cornerstone Caregivers and Hospice Home Care for helping us meet Arthur's needs and to the multitude of friends who have supported us in these last weeks and months.
Visitation will take place at College Church of Christ in Searcy, AR on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 1:00 PM, with service to follow at 2:30 PM. A private burial service will be held at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Arthur Shearin Restricted Fund at Harding Advancement (915 E. Market, Box 12238, Searcy, AR 72149, attn. Kim Toye, 501-279-4210) or @ Harding.edu/give.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15012683546.
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34 Condolence(s)
David P Dobson
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Dear Sheri, I am heart broken. I sang first tenor in Chorale at Freed-Hardeman College in 1981. Dr. Shearin was my friend. I loved him. What an amazing talent he was. I will miss him, but I look for him to appear with the Lord's blessed throng. I look forward to singing with him again. God Bless the Shearin family at this difficult time. David Parker Dobson
Holly Catterton Allen
Friday, February 7, 2025
Sheri, I was saddened to read of Sonny's death. I was in A Cappella at Harding from 1969-1972. You two were ahead of me, so I looked up to you both. It was a sweet privilege to learn how to sing and perform with the A Cappella from you both and from the other older members. May God hold you in his care as you rest and transition into the next season with your children and grandchildren and the wonderful memories of your loving husband.
Ruth (Woods) Organ
Sunday, January 26, 2025
Sheri,
So saddened to hear of Arthur’s passing. The two of you are the basis of some of my favorite Harding memories. Sending up prayers for you and your family as you grieve and forge a new normal in the months to come. Much love!
Jim Stanley
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Linda and were stunned when hear of Arthur's passing. He and I had some great times together. I sang under him with the Troubadours back in the 1980s. He made it a lot of fun. Our hearts go out to you, Sheri. He adored you. He and I shared this in common; We married above ourselves. The Lord bless you and keep you and give you peace.
Katharine (Snell) Moran
Saturday, January 25, 2025
I was in Concert Choir from 1996-2000. I have so many wonderful memories. Since Concert Choir met daily, he was one of my most influential teachers. Under his direction, I met many friends and experienced the beauty of voices glorifying God together. He taught us many things—including the importance of leaving a thank you note when we stayed at someone’s house on tour. Here’s your thank you note, Doc, inadequate as it is. Prayers for Mrs. Sherri and the family.
Richard Blankenship
Saturday, January 25, 2025
I especialy remember Arthur for
our years together in home bible study and for his wonderful work in planning and leading the Restoration Tours. These were a blessing to many of us.
Tony and Jessica Tate
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Our story would have been much different if Doc hadn’t been part of it. We are grateful to the Lord for how our paths intertwined and allowed us both to be formed into the people we are today. Much of that forming happened in Concert Choir and Doc’s private voice studio. Our love and prayers to the family.
Richard Blankenship
Saturday, January 25, 2025
S
Robin Yates
Friday, January 24, 2025
Arthur was such a great friend and colleague. Working along side him in our State and Southern Region Nats was such a pleasure. Sheri thank you for carrying on while he scheduled so many Southern Nats conferences. He did every task with such ease and pleasure! I know his family will miss him So much as will so many others. Our wonderful memories will help to sustain us and will be treasures for us all.
Judy sandlin
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Sonny was an amazing human being. Even in high school, it was evident. I lost touch after high school but would occasionally hear of his many accomplishments. He left his mark on many students and the world of music. Condolences to his family in this time tremendous of loss.
Dan Smith
Sunday, January 19, 2025
To my cousin Sheri and the entire family our heartfelt condolences go out to you and may God guide you during this most difficult time.
Dan & Margaret Smith
Asheville, NC.
Susie Rhodes (Collins)
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Prayers for your family! Such fund memories of my time in the Harding concert choir from 1999-2003…our tour to California was such a fun trip. Loved using the gift of our voices to encourage so many churches!
Harold Jones
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Sherri and family I weep with you at your loss but also rejoice that he is no longer limited by his earthly body. I remember Arthur as Sonny when he was a student at Freed-Hardeman. I was a teenager that was a “townie” and enjoyed just hanging around and I’m sure bugging the students. Later I was in Doyle’s chorus and later in John Bob’s chorus where I found my wife. We transferred to Harding and sang with Uncle Bud one semester before we had class conflicts. I remember Arthur singing as one of the soloist at Harding’s celebration with the Arkansas symphony orchestra. He borrowed my shoes as he had forgotten his. I enjoyed hearing him conduct his Chorale and coming to Freed-Hardeman to work with the lectureship chorus several times. He was a wonderful Christian and look forward to singing with him when this life is over!
Jane G. Walker
Saturday, January 18, 2025
A cherished friend and brother in Christ. So many special memories from Denver to Harding to Boulder and through the years! Prayers for the family and the hole left in your hearts. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus!
Danny Kellum
Saturday, January 18, 2025
I was a student of Doc’s at FH in the late 80s. He was challenging, patient, and very encouraging. I needed all three and he offered them without fail. He was an authority figure as well as a friend, much like Jesus. I will always be grateful for his contribution to my identity as a musician, professional, family man, and child of God. Thank you, Sheri, for sharing him with so many of us all these years. God bless.
Lisa Jones Mathis Dunn
Friday, January 17, 2025
In losing Doc, I lost a very dear teacher, director, mentor and friend. I first met "Doc" as a freshman in college in 1978. I went to Freed-Hardeman in the small town of Henderson, Tennessee, and decided to try out for the Chorale. He could be very intimidating sometimes. Yes, I was nervous, but was so excited to see my name on that soprano list in the hallway. I often tell people that "Doc" and being in Chorale is what makes my college memories so close to my heart. The tour bus rides, the daily practices, the singing at churches all over the country and the friendships I made are priceless. He was more than a choir director, he was my friend. He continued to be my friend over the years along with his wife Sherri. I will forever be grateful for Doc, his influence on my life and the memories I will always hold dear. "May the Road Rise to Meet You" dear friend.
Dr. and Mrs. Matt Lawyer
Friday, January 17, 2025
To the dear, sweet Shearin family. Our hearts and our prayers are with you at this time of earthly loss. We rejoice in heavens gain and know that we will all see Doc again. Both of us truly loved that man. Our experience at HU was an amazing one with a big part of that reason, Dr. Arthur Shearin and his Concert Choir. Much love and hugs go out to you Sheri as well as Scott and Elizabeth. Doc, until we meet again.
Jon & Arlene Galloway
Friday, January 17, 2025
We were saddened to learn of Doc’s passing. We both sang under him in Chorale at Freed-Hardeman College (as it was known) and learned so much from him - discipline, punctuality, and always giving your best at all times.
Looking forward to the time we can sing together for eternity. Sending much love and prayers to the whole family, now and in the days ahead.
Carolyn Moss
Friday, January 17, 2025
Arthur was a special friend and classmate of mine through elementary and high school and was also the manager for our girls basketball team. He was one of our most loyal supporters. He will be missed.
My sincere condolences to Sherry and children. Also to his siblings, Mike and Rosemarie.
Dr. Bill and Barbara Naylor
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
We have fond memories of our times together over the years. Our hearts go out to you. Sending our love.
Renee French
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
I transferred to Harding as a junior, and Doc welcomed me with open arms. I’m forever grateful I had the opportunity to sing in Concert Choir.
“Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the
palm of his hand.”
Sherrise Stephens
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
I was Doc’s secretary over thirty years ago and God took a good man home yesterday. Talented, caring, kind, smart and dear. I will always miss him. God bless you, Sheri-he told me more than once he’d married way up.
Jeff Shepherd
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Today I told my HS chorus about Dr. Arthur Shearin, under whom I sang in the Harding University Concert Choir. Dr. Shearin was also my private voice instructor. I doubt I even fully realize how much Doc influenced me, guided me, and musically shaped me. Anyone who spent a little time with him might have found him to be overly demanding; anyone who spent a lot of time with him came to understand his passion for excellence, and his care for his singers. A few of us even have silver-plated pie servers, and a lot of great stories. Thank you for your service to others, Doc, and I look forward to singing with you again. I promise I'll keep my head down, just like I teach my singers today.
Precious Lord, take my hand; lead me on, let me stand;
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light.
Take my hand, precious Lord; lead me home.
Kenneth Laws
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
I had so many wonderful memories with Doc as a member of Concert Choir. Rarely does more than a few days go by where I don't think about something from my time spent with him in Choir. He leaves a great legacy as a teacher, mentor, friend and Christian man.
Robert King
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
It would be impossible to calculate what a difference Doc made in my life. Besides meeting my wife in the choir at Freed (He performed our wedding.) I became a choral director and found myself just trying to replicate the transformative experience for my students I had being under his tutelage. He taught me voice, conducting and choir, but he mostly taught me a commitment to excellence and unwillingness to settle for mediocrity. “Good enough” was not good enough. I will forever be grateful for his impact, and am so sorry for his loss. To the family, I simply share the end of our benediction in Chorale, “...may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Ben Drake
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
A wonderful teacher, mentor, and friend. Enjoyed every moment I was in his music department. Taught me how to sing and play welland I'm greatful. I was having health issues in the early 2000s while at Harding and he, when able, was always willing to support me through that struggle. Haven't seen him in nearly 20 years. I know he will be missed but I will always enjoy his memory.
William markart
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Doc took a chance on me after my audition and I am forever grateful to him. The majority of my memories from my time at HU come from my time n Concert Choir. He opened a door for me to a place I had never dared go. Thanks Doc for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself.
Jeremy Luallen
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Doc was a huge influence in my life and meant the world to me. Love you all and will be praying for your family.
Lathan & Kim Watts
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Doc holds a special place in our hearts, as had he not accepted both of us in choir we likely would not have met. He even performed our wedding. We have so many precious memories because of him, not to mention how much we learned about music.
Nancy McGill
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
When my husband was in the hospital in 2009 Doctor Shearin came and opened his home to me to stay while Bill was in the hospital! I didn't accept because I wanted to stay with Bill in the hospital but never forgot his generosity! Thank you Doctor Shearin for the memory you have left to me anf a lot of others! You will not be forgotten!
Lina Leatherwood Burk
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
So sorry to hear, Sheri - remembering Arthur (Sonny) fondly from church camp and Freed- so thankful for out “Blessed Assurance”
Jacob & Ashley Schroeder
Monday, January 13, 2025
Doc Shearin was (still remains) a true gem to the Harding University community, especially the Concert Choir / Chorus alumni. With great vibrato, many cherished memories were cultivated under his leadership. In particular, I enjoyed his management of the Tenors and Altos (my wife and I fostered our friendship under his final years directing the Concert Choir ‘06-‘09). Sing with the angels Doc, rock the vibrato, and thanks for being an excellent role model in the critical formative years at HU for many aspiring students. You will be missed.
Ms. Sheri, thanks for opening your home to us. You and your family are in mine and Ashley’s continued prayers.
With deep respect to Doc and intentional prayer for the Shearin family,
Jacob Schroeder & Ashley (Ellis) Schroeder
Dan Newsom
Monday, January 13, 2025
Arthur was a very gifted Christian servant and very dear friend. He has made the world a much better place. I look forward to seeing him again. Rest in peace dear friend.
Dan Newsom
David Tipps
Monday, January 13, 2025
Your presence in life will be truly missed and greatly treasured.