Grear, William A. "Bill"
(born: 1923 - died: 2006)William A. Grear was born in Russellville, KY, the son of Charles C. and Oretha Williams Grear. He became the first African American-elected official in Florida in 1968 when he was elected city commissioner of the City of Belle Glade. He was elected vice mayor in 1974 and mayor in 1975.
Grear was also owner of B and E Rubber Stamps and Trophies as well as a barber and a director of a child development center.
Grear was the husband of Effie Carter Grear, a school teacher and principal of Glade's Central High School.
For more see Who's Who Among African Americans, 1975-2006 ; M. Malek, "Bill Grear, Belle Glade's first Black commissioner, dies at 82," The Palm Beach Post, 8/18/2006, Local section, p. 2B; and African American Sites in Florida, by K. M. McCarthy.