He was born in Chester County and was a graduate of Southside High School, where he was a star football player. He worked as a plumber at C & C Plumbing.
He is survived by a daughter, Rosemary Latham of Pinson; a grandchild, Matthew Ayers; his mother, Peggy Copeland Cearley of Henderson; two sisters, Pamela Warren and Penny James both of Henderson and two brothers, Paul Cearley of Jackson and Barry Cearley of Murfreesboro, TN.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Cearley, January 20, 2011, his father, Charles E. Cearley, October 14, 2011.