Dirk Lee Shearer

Dirk Lee Shearer of Covington, Georgia, passed peacefully in his home on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at the age of 64. Dirk was born on March 5, 1959, as the older, identical twin brother to Kirk Lyle. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, to William Oscar and Marianne (Taylor) Shearer, who already had a daughter (Sheri) and a son (Drew), both under 4 years old! A little sister (Sonia) joined the crowd seven years later. It was a large and adventurous family, determined to challenge each other daily! In 1977, Dirk graduated from Columbia City Joint High School, Columbia City, Indiana, where he apprenticed as a machinist. He also worked part time at his family’s motorcycle business, Ye Olde Cycle Shop, and raced motocross as a hobby with his twin brother. A few years later, following in Dad’s footsteps, Dirk moved to Georgia, joined soon after by Kirk. He continued his career as a machinist and tool maker. His most recent employment was with Alpla Inc., a company that develops and produces plastic packaging systems. He led the tool and die shop and was a valued employee, a dear friend of the plant manager and his wife, and would have celebrated his 22nd year of employment this November. His keen mechanical mind and attention to detail served him well in his chosen occupation. Dirk was a man of his own opinions who cared deeply for his family. He was tender-hearted and loving. He enjoyed working with his hands, taking care of his home, playing with his German Shepherds, vacationing at the beach, and watching Liverpool Premier League (English football or soccer, to us Americans) and professional wrestling, SmackDown and RAW! He was a perfectionist and practiced the adage “a place for everything, and everything in its place”…or else! He was a huge presence, and he will be greatly missed by many. Dirk is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia “Trish” (McGlashan); daughters Kristy Henley of Gray, GA and April Dick of Montezuma, GA; stepsons, Brian (Lynn) and Corey (Jessi) Alligood of Dublin, GA; stepdaughter, Kristen (Kermit) Rodriguez of Covington, GA; 8 grandchildren; sister, Sheri (Charles) Laughinghouse of Emerald Isle, NC; brother, Drew (Kim) Shearer of Blythewood, SC; and sister, Sonia Henderson of Fort Wayne, IN. Dirk was preceded in death by his father, W.O. (2010), his mother, Marianne (2012), his grandson, William Jensen (2022), and his brother, Kirk (2022). Family and friends may share their condolences at www.wheelerfuneralhome.com. An ocean interment will be planned in the future.