Georgetown: Melvin Francis Sears, Jr., 63, died Sunday, May 24, 2009, at his residence. Mr. Sears was born in Jamaica, N. Y. on September 2, 1945, a son of the late Melvin Francis Sears and Anna May Gill Sears. He served in the Marine Corps and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Mr. Sears was a graduate of Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla. He was a former law enforcement officer and retired as a Division Chief with the Orange Co., Fla. Sheriff's Office in 2002. Mr. Sears lived in Dahlonega, Ga. prior to moving to Georgetown. He was a member of St. Mary Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Church. Survivors include: two daughters, Heather A. Grady of Sylva, N. C. and Samantha M. Sears of Tampa, Fla.; two sisters, Marie Downs of Sanford, Fla. and Patricia Ackourey of Boca Raton, Fla.; his significant other, Claudia T. Bessinger of Georgetown; and two grandchildren, Cory M. Vickery and Ryan J. Vickery. Memorial services will be private. Sign a guest book at www.mayerfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to hospice at HealthKeeperz, 241-B Singleton Ridge Rd., Conway, S. C. 29526. . The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Funeral Home: Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home 222 Saint James Street Georgetown, SC US 29440