Steve Hancock Sears' Obituary
A man of steadfast integrity, Steve Sears, 47, was born in Atlanta, Ga., on September 21, 1975 to William Sears and Myra Hancock Sears. He passed away on March 22, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. Living on the Wandering Goat Farm in Gadsden County since 2000, Steve continued the legacy of his family at a more than 100-year-old homestead with his beautiful family. Steve met his wife, Erica, at the University of Georgia and after graduation they were married in Tallahassee on July 12, 2003. Their family began in 2005 with the birth of their twins, Jackson and Ava, followed by their youngest, Katelyn, in 2008.
A graduate of the University of Georgia (B.S. Archeology) and Florida State University (M.A. Social Studies Education, M.A. Educational Leadership), Steve served the Leon County public school district for 18 years as a devoted public servant in many roles after working as an archeologist. He was a long-time teacher of American history, a school administrator, and ended his career as an agriculture teacher at Cobb Middle School, combining his love of education with teaching life skills to people in and out of the classroom. The thousands of students he taught over the years pale in comparison to the moments of joy and humor Steve provided to this community. His strong, quiet, and often respectfully defiant demeanor enraged and inspired scores of humans who were educated by proxy due to his contagious magnetism. A man whose passions were infectious, could converse jovially about every topic from how to run a farm to how to soothe a baby. Steve instilled so much wisdom, just by osmosis, rendering him near Dalai Lama status.
His favorite moments were among the love of his family and framily – of which he was undoubtedly The Godfather. Every person in his circle understood Steve knew how to get things done and teach you in the process. Always deferential and humble, it was impossible to feel small next to this mountain of a man. His presence is so powerful that his own children exude passion and unmatched kindness. His partner in this life, Erica, is a force of nature without which Steve would have been lost. She continues his mantle in her own right.
Always a pragmatist, Steve would not want us to linger on his death but rather to ask questions of how you are serving others and making the world a more inclusive and tolerant place. His love of conversation was only matched by the love of those he loved…and to be among one of those is a true blessing.
Steve is survived by his wife, Erica, and three children, Jackson, Ava and Katelyn. His nephews, August and Konnor Herrmann, to whom Steve acted as their second father. His step-mother Connie Sears, in-laws Richard and Claudia Looram, sister in-laws Denise (Matt) Herrmann and Lisa (Adam) Nimorwicz.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 2 at 4:00 pm at Faith Presbyterian Church, 2200 North Meridian Road, Tallahassee, Fla. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the Steve Sears Memorial Fund at Cobb Middle School. This fund was established as a hands-up fund for the students in vocational classes at Cobb, and to support the success of the agriculture program Steve started. Checks can be made out to Cobb Middle School with Sears Fund in the memo.
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