Tommy Lee Shears was born May 16, 1946 in Lima, Ohio. He was known also as “Cool T” by many of his loved ones and dear friends.

A graduate of Lima Senior High School, he also attended Northwestern Business Center (Lima, Ohio) and the Columbus (OH) Public School’s Adult Education program through which he received his electrical and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) certifications. Prior to his honorable discharge from the United States Army, Tommy served in Vietnam and was awarded several citations including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. He retired from the Sears Distribution Center, in Obetz, Ohio, where he was employed as a logistics specialist.

Tommy was an avid sports enthusiast. He loved all types -- bowling, tennis, and playing pool (billiards); however, he was an especially huge fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes football and basketball teams. He spent many years imparting his love and knowledge with young people while serving as a coach for the Mifflin Sharks and Gahanna youth football associations.

On March 28, 2018, Tommy L. Shears departed this earthly life at the age of 71. He was preceded in death by his father Harvey J. Shears, Sr., mother Oddie B. Shears, brother Harvey J. Shears, Jr., and sisters, Annie P. Shears and Rosie Muhammad.

Those remaining to cherish memories of Tommy include his loving wife, Doris J. Shears; sons, Corey (Felicia) Ray, Damion (Misty) Ray, both of Columbus, Ohio, Tommy (Ebonee) Armstrong of Hampton, Georgia, Darius Ellis, and Thomas Cantrell Edwards, both of Lima; daughters, Shimika Ray-Curtis of Columbus, Rosalind Smith of Rosedale, New York, Leslie (Kwaku) Spaulding-Dwuriantwi of Norcross, Georgia, Yolanda Armstrong, Carla (Nate) Green, and Tishetta Hall, all of Lima; brothers, Jaami (Halima) Muhammad of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Ralph Shears of Lima; 33 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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