Minister William Jerold Tear, 59, of Hicksville, Ohio passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Jerold was born August 14, 1965, in Roanoke, Virginia son of William Jerold Tear Sr. and Betty Darlene (Hamilton) Derrow. He was a 1983 graduate of Cave Spring High School, in Roanoke, Virginia where he started as a cross country runner. Jerold continued his education at Kentucky Christian College, where he met his wife, Stephanie Renee Baer. They were married on June 14, 1986, in Columbus, Ohio. Jerold began his career as a Youth Minister at East Dayton Christian Church (Dayton, Ohio) where he served for 3 years. Jerold continued his youth ministry at Stone Memorial Christian Church (Collinsville, Virginia) where he served for 6 years. Jerold accepted a position as the Senior Minister at Grove Church of Christ (Gambier, Ohio) and served for 13 years, from 1997-2010. Jerold and Stephanie moved their family to Hicksville, Ohio, in August of 2010, where he led the church as the Senior Minister for the last 14 years.

Jerold loved his family and supported his wife, children and grandchildren in all their activities. He especially enjoyed the excitement of choosing a restaurant and then sitting down together with the entire family to enjoy a good meal. Jerold had a passion for following sports and was an avid Hicksville Aces, Ohio State Buckeyes, Virginia Tech Hokies and Duke Blue Devils fan. Jerold also loved listening to loud music, with his favorites being Audio Adrenaline, TobyMac, and Mathew West. He loved reading a new book and walking on the beach with his wife. His favorite time of the year was Christmas, and one of his favorite things was giving presents to his children and grandchildren.

Surviving is his wife, Stephanie Tear of Hicksville, Ohio; three children,  Tony (Bailey) Tear of Hicksville, Ohio; Kayli (Jake) Legros of Howard, Ohio, and Bailey (Emily) Tear of Perrysburg, Ohio; six grandchildren, Riley Tear, Hayes Tear, Evy Tear, Karson Legros, Parker Legros, and Paityn Legros; mother, Darlene (Mickey) Derrow of Roanoke, Virginia; father, William "Jerry" (Maggie) Tear of Charlotte, North Carolina; twin sister, Robin (Ralph) Barrett of Roanoke, Virginia, and sister, Sonia (Scott) Orahood of Andover, Ohio; mother-in-law, Myrna Baer of Sunbury, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews. Jerold was preceded in death by his brother, John Tear, and father-in-law, Robert "Bud' Baer.

Visitation for Jerold will be held Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at First Church of Christ Hicksville, 118 N. Main Street. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024, at First Church of Christ Hicksville, with Minister Timothy Hunt officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Home Cemetery in Hicksville, Ohio. Arrangements are in care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, Hicksville, Ohio.

Memorial contributions can be directed to First Church of Christ Hicksville.

Condolences may be sent to the family or memories may be shared at www.oberlinturnbull.com