Michael Osman Greear

Highland City - Michael Osman Greear, 71, passed away Friday, April 24, 2020. Michael was born Saturday, February 5, 1949, in Wise, VA to Osman and Magdalene Greear. He grew up with very humble beginnings, roaming in the woods and picking apples in the orchard, in the Appalachian Mountains. At the age of ten, his family moved to Bartow in 1959. As a very young man, he helped his Mama provide for his family's needs. He graduated from Bartow Senior High School in 1967. He then attended Santa Fe Community College. He was a butcher by trade for many years, however, the Lord had bigger plans for him. He received salvation and deliverance from drugs and alcohol on January 11, 1989, and shortly thereafter began his ministry as a Pastor. Alongside his wife Linda, he started the Highland City Refuge Church of God. He devoted the remainder of his life to pastoring and serving the Lord in his family and in the community. He became the self-proclaimed chaplain of the Highland City Publix these last years. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Timmie Greear. He is survived by his wife of 46 years Linda S. Greear of Highland City; daughter, Lee Greear Turner and husband Don of Lakeland; two brothers, Terry Greear and wife Vicki of Winter Haven, Eric Greear and wife Malea of Winter Haven; four sisters, Myrna Uzmack (John Materni) of Lecanto, FL, Deanna Sergel (Dave Porter) of Berea, KY, Malinda Stafford of Spanish Fork, Utah, Rhonda Walker and husband Clayton of Granite Falls, NC, sister-in-law; Cecilia Greear of Bartow; grandchildren, Olivia and Brian Legg, Netta and Jose Bonilla, Bill, Lanee, and Lorea Turner; great-grandchildren, Nehemiah and Amani Bonilla. He leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, church members, and friends. A visitation will be 3 to 5 pm Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. A Celebration of his Life will be held Graveside at 11:00 am, Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 at Wildwood Cemetery in Bartow, FL. Memorial contributions may be made to the Highland City Refuge Church of God to further his ministry at Post Office Box 1173, Highland City, FL 33846. Condolences can be shared with the family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com