Coeburn, VA ~ James Howard Greear, 92, died Thursday, December 28, 2000 at Norton Community Hospital in Norton, Virginia.
Mr. Greear was one of the founders of country music and cut the first country music record in Bristol in 1927. Also he was a retired coal miner, member of UMWA and former member of the Masonic Lodge.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Thompson and Sally Stallard Greear; a son, Claude Greear; a grandson, Russell Greear; 2 sisters, Kate Shepherd and Edna Hal; 6 brothers, Everett Greear, Victor Greear, Buford Greear, Lennie (Buck) Greear, Oakley Greear and Charles Greear.
Survivors include his wife Mossie Greear, 5 sons, Troy Greear, Defiance, OH, Roy Greear, Kingsport, TN, W.R. Greear & Paul Greear both of Coeburn & Homer Greear, Sherwood, OH; 2 daughters, Frankie Greear & Thelma Greear both of Coeburn; 1 brother, Lloyd Greear, Coeburn; 15 Grandchildren, 34 Great Grandchildren,several nephews and nieces.
Funeral services for James Howard Greear, will be held Sunday, December 31, 2000 at 2:00 P.M. at Estes Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. R.L. Crawford and Rev. James Surgener will be officiating. Burial will follow in the Greear Cemetery in Coeburn.Visitation will be held at Estes Funeral Home on Saturday after 6:00 P.M.