Keith Strange | The News
City and county officials were joined by members of the late Garry Scearce’s family Friday as a street was named for the retired EMS worker and county commissioner.
Keith Strange | The News
Scearce’s wife Vicky and son Corey were on hand as Chairman Eddie Harris of the Board of Commissioners helped unveil the new sign designating a road leading to the EMS building Scearce Way.
The spirit of service demonstrated by late Commissioner Garry Scearce was evident as dozens of family and friends joined Mount Airy and Surry County officials Friday to dedicate a street leading to the county’s EMS headquarters in his honor.
Scearce died on July 22, following a prolonged battle with cancer.
He served as a county commissioner just shy of two years after a three-decade career with Surry County EMS.
Calling him a “dedicated public servant,” EMS Director John Shelton said Scearce is still an example to emergency responders today.
“He was a true example of a person with a servant’s heart,” he said. “There are a lot of people walking around Surry County today because of the work Garry did. He truly cared about the welfare of his fellow man.”
Shelton said that spirit of service came from somewhere deep within Scearce’s soul.
“I can truly say his constant, heartfelt thought was about caring for others,” he said. “He wanted the best for everyone.”
Looking at the late commissioner’s wife and son, Shelton became somewhat emotional.
“My heart goes out to his family here at Christmas,” he said. “You’ve been through a lot, but (Scearce) was a great man who will be remembered for a long, long time.”
Scearce’s widow Vicky told the crowd that she is humbled by the recognition he has received since his death.
“Words can’t explain how much it means for us to have this road named after Garry,” she said. “All he wanted to do was make a difference, and he never considered himself special in any way. But he was special.
“My hope is that others will take up his cause of service and continue to work to make this county special — the way he saw it.”
Shortly prior to the unveiling of the sign designating the road Scearce Way, Shelton said the new street name was an inspiration to county emergency personnel.
“A lot of what we do today we strive to do the Scearce Way,” he said.
Reach Keith Strange at kstrange@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1929.
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