Rev. Clarence Edward Bear

Kingsport - Rev. Clarence Edward Bear went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 15, 2023. He was a veteran of the US Army and honorably discharged on March 31, 1965. He worked many years at the Meade Corporation in Kingsport. Clarence answered the call to preach on March 16, 1969 at Temple Baptist Church in Kingsport. He attended Pastor’s school in Hammond, Indiana in 1971 and that same year became the assistant pastor of Temple Baptist. Clarence went on to pastor many churches in Kingsport, including Gethsemane Baptist which he organized on April 8, 1979. He also pastored Faith Baptist Church in Princeton, WV. Clarence was a devoted husband for 63 years. Clarence was predeceased by his mother and father, Ruth and Rev. Jack Bear. Clarence is survived by his loving wife, Jeane Bear; children, Mark Bear, Regina and husband Rick Shelton, and Jonathan and wife Tina Bear; brothers, Bob and wife Margaret Bear, and Phil and wife Diane Bear; sister-in-law, Lynn Kemper and husband, Jimmy; grandchildren, Kristen Bear, Lauren Hamilton and husband Jake, Chantelle Fitzwater, Clark Fitzwater, Meghan and husband Tyson Cornett, Cole and wife Abby Bear, and Brock Bear; great-grandchildren, Poppy Hamilton and Sean Cornett; along with many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Temple Baptist Church. A funeral service will follow at 7 pm at the church with Rev. Jonathan Bear and Pastor Scott Young officiating. A military graveside service will be held at 10 am Thursday at East lawn memorial Park with American Legion Hammond Post #3/265 conducting the rites. Pallbearers will be Cole Bear, Clark Fitzwater, Brock Bear, Tyson Cornett, Max Bear, Scott Lambert and Jake Hamilton. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery at 9:45 am. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, Kingsport is serving the Bear family.