Dr. William Warren Mears, 76, of Lexington, Va., died on Sunday, October 10, 2010.

Born on June 21, 1934, in New Jersey, he was a son of the late Clarke Braidwood Mears and Ocillee Warren Mears.

Dr. Mears attended Lexington Baptist Church and was a VMI graduate of the Class of 1956.

He served 20 years in the Army and retired as a full Colonel.

Dr. Mears was an ophthalmologist in Denver, Colorado, and came to Lexington to practice in 1987. He graduated from Jefferson Medical College and practiced medicine for 50 years.

Surviving are his wife, Marcella Ann Mears; a son, William W. Mears Jr., of Lexington; a daughter, Susan Mears Hubbell, of Spokane, Washington; and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. on Monday, October 18, 2010, at Jackson Memorial Hall, VMI with Chaplain Parks officiating. Burial will be private with Pastor Michael Wilburn officiating. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. The family suggests memorial donations be made to VMI Foundation, Chaplain Fund, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, Va. 24450, Lexington Baptist Church, 75 Old Farm Road, Lexington, Va. 24450 or Rockbridge Area Hospice, P.O. Box 948, Lexington, Va. 24450.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Mears, Brian Hubbell, Matthew Hubbell, Colin Owen, Ed Painter, Jason Painter, Karl Painter, and Allan Painter.

Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Va.