John Willoughby Hearn

Dr. John W Hearn Jr., of Monroe, NC, passed away Friday, December 11, 2020. He was born in Stanly County on June 29, 1925 son to the late John W. Hearn Sr. and Lillian Richardson Hearn, he is also preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Williams Smith Hearn, two sisters, Ophelia Hearn Treadwell and Alberta Hearn Toms. A private memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Monroe. Dr. Hearn was an active member of the Greater Monroe Lions Club and had been a Lions member for the last 70 years. As an optometrist, he partnered with the Lions to provide free or low-cost eye exams and eyeglasses to hundreds of less fortunate people in the community. He also volunteered many hours of professional service working on the North Carolina Lions Mobile Screening Unit in providing local free eye screenings. A true humanitarian, one of his favorite Lions Club projects over the last 25 plus years was working with the American Red Cross to provide Lions volunteer help in conducting a quarterly blood drive in Monroe. As a 1950 alumnus of the University of North Carolina, John enjoyed talking with other UNC alumni about his experiences as a student in Chapel Hill. He loved following all Tar Heel sports, especially basketball. After a Tar Heel victory on Saturday, John would almost always show up wearing a UNC tie to church on Sunday morning with that broad smile of his. Should the Tar Heels lose, he was always quick to point out that the coach needed to teach better defense. John truly loved his Tar Heels. He received his Optometry Degree from Northern Illinois College of Optometry on February 3, 1950. John started his primary eye care profession in May, of 1950 and practiced for 45 years. He served as President (1960-61) for The North Carolina State Optometric Society. He also served as the local President of Boy Scouts of America in the 60’s. John attended First Baptist Church of Monroe for the past 92 years. He had a vivid memory of the church even prior to its present location. The Then and Now Sunday School Class was among his many loves of the church. John met his wife Jan at the church, First Baptist Church of Monroe carried a very special place in both of their hearts and lives together. John served his country in the US Air force 1943-1946. He was instrumental in the formation of “Head Start” in Union County. This program was later adopted by President Lyndon Johnson nationally (1965). It provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. John was very active in Meals on Wheels and Soup Kitchen in Monroe, NC. He loved his community and had a servant’s heart for others. He is survived by his loving wife, Janice S. Hearn, his sons, John Willoughby Hearn III, Dr. Paul Bradford Hearn (Allison), Heston Hall Hearn and Smith Edward Hearn, five grandchildren, Ashley Hearn, John A. Hearn, Bradford Hearn, Emma Hearn, Sophie Hearn, step-daughter, Treva M. Burchette (Steve), two step-grandchildren, Olivia Noel Burchette and Lennon Reid Burchette, as well as multiple nieces and nephews, whom he was very close to. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is caring for the Hearn Family.