Ralph “Cooney” Shearer, 88, of Columbia, passed away at Morning Pointe in Danville on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
He was born December 9, 1936, in Columbia and was an Adair County resident most of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bryant and Cittie Melson Shearer; his daughter, Vickie Davidson; and his sisters, Dorothy Yates, Jeanette Shearer and Jenell Shearer.
Ralph’s legacy as a basketball starter is embedded in Adair County High School history, most notably for the 1954-1955 state championship games and for holding the title of all-time scoring player for 50 years. He spent many years of employment at General Electric in Louisville. Ralph was a hard worker and even in retirement, still kept busy with projects at the farm.
Survivors include: his wife, Pam Shearer of Columbia; two sons, Ralph William Shearer (Lisa) of Louisville and Matt Downen of Danville; two grandchildren, Emily Shearer of Lexington and Clay Hild of Louisville; and several other family members and friends.
Funeral service was Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home with Pastor Ryan Boatright officiating. Burial in Shearer Cemetery at Cundiff.
Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements
