Richard Charles Melear

RICHARD C HARLES MELEAR 1927-2008 Passed away on July 24, 2008 after suffering from an extended bout of pneumonia. Richard was born on August 11, 1927 in Miami, Florida. He graduated from Miami Edison, and enlisted in the Navy, where he served in the war until entering college. Richard received a Bachelors of Education from Stetson University in 1950 and a Masters in Administration and Supervision from FAU in 1965. He lived and worked in West Palm Beach after undergraduate school, teaching and coaching with the Palm Beach County School District for 42 years. Richard, who received numerous awards and accolades as a coach, including many state titles and the prestigious National High School Track Coach of the Year designation, is beloved by the many students that he guided during his time as teacher and coach at Palm Beach, Twin Lakes, and Palm Beach Lakes high schools, as well as at Palm Beach Community College, where he taught evening courses and led the Cross Country team. After his retirement, Richard and his wife resided part-time in Canton, North Carolina, where Richard regularly played golfed. Richard continued to participate as a prominent member of Florida Coaches Hall of Fame, Florida Track and Field Foundation, and Florida Athletic Coaches Association. Richard is survived by his wife of 60 years, Beverly Beacham Melear, and by three of his four children, Erik Melear of Orlando, Melynda Melear of West Palm Beach, and Zachary Melear of Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as seven grand children, Jennifer, Justine, Evan, and Maura Melear, and Savannah, Flannery and Madelyn Winchester. His death is preceded by his son, Jeffrey Melear, as well as his parents, Charlie and Pearl Melear, and brother, Jack Melear. Visitation with the family will take place on Wednesday, July 30th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and a service will be held on Thursday, July 31st at 11:00 a.m, both at Palms West Funeral Home, 110 Business Parkway, Royal Palm Beach, 33411, (561) 753-6004. A burial ceremony will take place immediately after the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 6411 Parker Avenue, West Palm Beach, 33405.