Bud Sears, 67, of Sugar Hill, Ga., passed away Jan. 20, 2013.

Bud was a men’s ministry specialist, president of the North Georgia Conference of UM Men, a graduate of the UM Licensing School for Pastoral Ministry, and director of Lay Speaking Ministries of North Georgia.

During the past 38 years, Sears served in various roles at Suwanee First UMC, including minister of music, adult Sunday school class teacher, task force leader in the development of a safe-sanctuaries policy, a safe-sanctuaries instructor, chair of the missions committee, lay member of the North Georgia Annual Conference, and president of the local UM Men organization.

As vice-president for missions, he led efforts to upgrade a battered women’s shelter in a nearby community and helped  restore the Leigh Cottage at the United Methodist Children’s Home in Decatur after the cottage was destroyed by fire.

Born in Buford, Ga., Bud was the valedictorian of Buford High School. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.

Bud started working for Georgia Tech while still a student and continued there for the next 30 years, retiring as the director of the Electronic Systems Laboratory at Georgia Tech Research Institute.

He was one of the early founders of the Peachtree Roost chapter of the Association of Old Crows, a member of the Association of Old Crows Technology Hall of Fame.

For many years, Bud coached basketball, softball, and baseball through the Buford area recreation league.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who gave generously of his time and talents to all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Beverly Miller Sears, Sugar Hill, Ga.; daughters and sons-in-law, Emily Sears Warlick and husband, Dr. Michael D. (Dave) Warlick, Flowery Branch, Ga., and Susan Sears Sharp and husband, Kevin Sharp, London, England, and six grandchildren.

To express condolences, please sign an online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.