Edwin Ramsey Gearhart, 84, of Virginia Beach, Va., died at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital on Nov. 25, 2012, after a short illness.
Born in Williamsport, Pa., on Aug. 16, 1928, Dr. Gearhart graduated from Williamsport High School in 1946. He was an Eagle Scout and also earned the Bronze and Gold Palms. Following a three-year stint in the U.S. Coast Guard, he earned a B.S. degree from his beloved Penn State ('53) and then graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania ('56). He operated the Gearhart Veterinary Clinic in Williamsport from 1957-1974 before working in practices in Chicago, Ill., and Bethel Park, Pa. He moved to Virginia Beach in 1978 where he operated Independence Veterinary Clinic for many years and helped lead Sea Scout Ship 364 before retiring to Florida. He returned to Virginia Beach in 2008 and was a faithful member of Bayside Presbyterian Church.
He will be remembered for his friendship, his loyalty to simple virtues, his love of joketelling and his generous laugh.
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Edwin Ramsey Gearhart
He was the son of Edwin H. and Helene Miller Gearhart of Williamsport and the brother of Marian Repetz of Allentown, Pa., all of whom predeceased him. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia McGonnell Gearhart of Virginia Beach; her sister, Mary Wagner and her husband Frank of Mesa, Colo.; and by his three sons, Eric V. of Leesburg, Va., Terrence B. of Virginia Beach and his wife Crystal, and Brooks T. Gearhart of Charlotte, N.C. and his wife Pam; and by five grandchildren.
Submitted by family.
