James Thomas “Tommy” Fears, 63, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2015, in Atmore.

As a child, Tommy attended Bethel Baptist Church in Flomaton. He was truly a musician at heart and marched to the beat of his own drum. Tommy loved the outdoors, including fishing, hunting, camping, and he had an unending love for Native American history and culture. He always said, “Being Native American was not just the color of your skin, it is a condition of the heart.”

He is survived by his daughter, Kayla Marie Fears of Atmore; son, James Daryl Fears of Pensacola, Fla.; sister, Brenda (Donald) Sales of Century, Fla.; brother, Charles (Betty) Fears of Monroeville; former wife of 20 years, Juanita Fears; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, at Friendship Holiness Church, 3266 Atmosphere Road, in Atmore. Expressions of condolence may be offered at www.hughesfh.com.

Arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home and Crematory of Daphne.