of Little Rock, AR

August 25, 1934 - August 19, 2025

Billy Joe Spann, Sr. of East End, Arkansas passed away surrounded by his family on August 19, 2025 at the age of 90. Born in 1934 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Joe and Maxine McCright Spann, Billy Joe Spann, Sr. grew up learning the values of faith, hard work and family, that would guide his life for the next 90 years. From his earliest days, he embraced a love for the outdoors, a talent for building and devotion to his family and community. He was a proud veteran, serving in the Air Force during the Central High desegregation and a member of the Masonic Lodge.

The greatest blessing of Billy Joe's life was his 68-year marriage to his devoted wife, Janice and the family they built together. They raised up their family spending time at Lake DeGray and later, they traveled the country in their motor home. Their marriage was a living example of faithfulness, partnership and sacrifice. Billy Joe was calm, level-headed and wise. He was always steady and as his loved ones would say, always right.

Billy Joe was a true outdoorsman. He loved turkey and deer hunting, trot lining for catfish and crappie fishing. He was the oldest member of the East Saline Hunting Club, founded by his father and he worked to ensure the club always stood on the values of faith and family. He was an avid gardener, often telling stories of plowing with mules. His wife proudly canned his vegetables each year and Billy Joe loved teaching his children and grandchildren how to grow gardens of their own.

Billy Joe lived a life centered on faith, family and hard work. He was a lifelong member of East Union Baptist Church, where he and his wife faithfully served in the church's bus ministry, making sure countless children had the opportunity to hear the gospel. He also dedicated many years to building and setting up the Sunrise Service and the Drive-Thru Nativity that blessed both his church and community.

Above all, Billy Joe was a builder. His talent showed early in life; while his classmates in shop class built gun racks, he built a fully functional boat. Through Spann and Williams Builders, he built custom homes where quality and honesty came first. He built two houseboats including ''The Miss Janice'', which had all the modern amenities such as running water and electricity, none of which he used. He built parade floats with his children and grandchildren for the East End Parade, earning more wins than anyone else in town. Known for never throwing anything away, Billy Joe could always find a use for, well, anything.

More than anything he ever constructed with his hands, his greatest project of all was building his family. He instilled love, hard work and faith in his children and grandchildren, building a family that continues to prioritize time together, support one another and stay close. He was deeply proud of each one of them, celebrating their accomplishments, encouraging their efforts and guiding them when they needed advice. In doing so, he not only built a strong family, but also a legacy that will carry on for generations.

Billy Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jean Reed; his brother, Quinn Spann (Lawanda) and his great-grandson, Isaac Hart. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Janice Spann; his brother, Jimmy Spann
(Barbara); sister-in-law, Linda Spann; his children, Billy Joe Spann Jr. (Sherry), Jeanita Whitmire (Scott), James Spann and Joanna Thurston (John); his grandchildren, Charity, BJ, Emily, Colton, Brady, Dalton, Brock, Brynn, Tru, Braci, Jett and Jaycie; 14 great-grandchildren with number 15 due in October and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

A visitation will be held at East Union Baptist Church on Friday, August 22nd from 6-8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held Saturday, August 23rd at 10:00 AM followed by burial at Salem Cemetery in East End.

Though his work on earth is finished, his family finds comfort in knowing that Billy Joe has already started on his next great project, helping to build the mansions of heaven and making sure the pearly gates are sturdy, well-crafted and ready for the generations of loved ones who will one day join him there.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Drummond Funeral Home
10900 Interstate 30
Little Rock, AR  72209
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com