Wiley H. Shearin, Ed.D., 70, of Chapel Hill died sadly on February 5, 2008, at UNC Hospitals.
Born in Rocky Mount on May 23, 1937, he served in the U.S. Army in Germany, received a Bachelor of Science degree, Master’s degree, and Doctorate in Education at UNC-Chapel Hill.
He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Shearin Hounshell, R.N. and her husband David W. Hounshell, of Raleigh; daughter Dr. Mary D. Shearin, of Greensboro; former wife, the author Erika V. Shearin Karres, Ed.D. and her husband Andrew M.. Karres, of Chapel Hill; granddaughters Katherine Elizabeth Hounshell and Sarah Emily Hounshell, of Raleigh; and a host of other relatives in the U.S. and Germany.
He was a long-time award-winning principal in the Orange County Schools and a strong leader in the desegregation process of that system. He was devoted to his students and teachers, many of whom learned “the meaning of excellence†from him for the first time, according to them, and has been called an education visionary.
He was a beloved father and grandfather and was cherished by his many friends. After his retirement he traveled extensively, kept current on cultural and political events, and became an even more loyal Tar Heel fan.
Funeral services were held at Walker’s Funeral Home in Chapel Hill on Saturday, Feb. 9, with the Rev. Jim Harry officiating. Burial followed at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery, and a celebration of his life and achievements was held later that day at A Southern Season.
The family requests that memorials be made to Central Elementary School Media Center, 154 Hayes Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278.
Walker’s Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is assisting the Shearin family.