Cyrus Newton Shearer III

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Cyrus Newton Shearer III, 87, of Gainesville, Virginia, who passed away peacefully at his home on July 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 8, 1938, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Cyrus was the son of Cyrus N. Shearer Jr. and Josephine H. Shearer. He graduated from LaGrange High School (La Grange, Georgia), in 1956 before attending the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1961. He later received a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1969. Cyrus proudly served his country during a distinguished 21-year career in the United States Army. His assignments included the 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division in Korea; Company A, Army Drill Team Honor Guard Company; Officer-in-Charge of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; and the 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). During his service with The Old Guard, he participated in the state funerals of Presidents John F. Kennedy and Herbert Hoover, as well as General Douglas MacArthur. Cyrus served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967 with the 1st Infantry Division as the Assistant G3 Operations, Commander of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, and Assistant S3 for the 2nd Brigade. He later served in the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) Inspector General Investigations Division, where he participated in the investigation of the My Lai massacre. Cyrus returned to West Point as an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering from 1970 to 1973. He later served at the Defense Communications Engineering Facility in Reston, Virginia, before becoming Executive Officer of the 97th Signal Battalion in Mannheim, Germany. He subsequently served as a Staff Officer in the Communications and Electronics Division of NATO's Central Army Group. His final Army assignment was as Commander of the 127th Signal Battalion at Fort Ord, California. He retired in 1982 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Cyrus began a successful second career with Electronic Data Systems (EDS), where he led major projects supporting the government intelligence community and NASA, including a year at Kennedy Space Center. He later served as Associate Vice President of Operations and Engineering for the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), retiring in 2002. Retirement marked the beginning of another chapter of faithful service. Cyrus mentored four wounded warriors and served as Vice President of Operations for the West Point Wounded Warrior Program. He was also President and Program Committee Chairman of the Heritage Hunt Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Treasurer of The Old Guard Association, and a board member of Mark 4 Ministries. While Cyrus's professional accomplishments were many, his greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband to Nancy for 60 years, a loving father, and a proud grandfather. Above all, Cyrus was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ whose faith guided every aspect of his life. He faithfully raised his children to know and love the Lord and lived each day with humility, integrity, wisdom, and compassion. He loved researching and documenting his family's genealogy, had a gift for fixing almost anything, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors. His quiet strength, steadfast character, and unwavering love made him the rock of his family. Cyrus is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Shearer of Gainesville, Virginia; his son, Robert Shearer (Luisa) of Malibu, California; his daughter, Susan Beckworth (Andy) of Warrenton, Virginia; his cherished grandchildren, Will Shearer, Christopher Beckworth, and Lauren Beckworth; and his sister, Catherine Schane of Atlanta, Georgia. Cyrus will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on a future date. The family will honor and celebrate Cy’s life privately. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to The Lamb Center, a ministry close to Cyrus and Nancy’s heart. The Lamb Center P.O. Box 1385 Fairfax, Virginia 22038-1385 "Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

Cyrus Newton Shearer III

October 8, 1938 - July 5, 2026