of Little Rock, AR
March 31, 1924 - January 5, 2021
The passing of the family Hero "Whitey " Maurice James Spears, 96, mustered out January 05, 2021, in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Whitey is survived by two sisters and one brother. Mary Ella Read and her husband Jim, Marnell McCoy, and Marlin Spears. Whitey had three kids with ''Hank'' Henrietta Waters who preceded him in death in 1998. Michele Richer, husband Pierre, Melissa Casteel, husband Tony, Myles Spears, wife Lisa. Six grandchildren, four great grandchildren.
In 2000, Whitey got married to his second wife, Amy Jones who preceded him in death in 2018. With the second marriage came more family for Whitey to care about. Family was the most important thing in his life. Whitey was looked upon by all the families as a hero, leader, and role model.
Whitey was born in Grand Saline, Texas on March 31, 1924. His mother used to joke that he was just a few hours from being an April Fools baby. Whitey told many stories about growing up in East Texas and working the land with family. As he would tell it they grew a lot of vegetables and had a few old cows. Hauling the vegetables and cattle to Dallas would usually bring up some of the funniest stories because they were out of their mother's oversite. Whitey graduated from Grand Saline High School where he played football and basketball. After graduation, he was accepted to Texas A & M College. He was expected to graduate with the class of 1946 but a little thing called WWII came up. Whitey never hesitated. He quit A & M and joined the Army. "Chub", Whitey's younger brother said that was the only time he saw their father "MJ" cry in the fields. Whitey wanted to go overseas as soon as possible so he was sent to Fort Chaffee, AR for deployment. He was assigned to Battery B672d Field Artillery Battalion. He was on a 155 Howitzer crew. They spent two weeks going to Africa and till his last days he hated the thought of taking a "BOAT" ride. He said that was the sickest he had ever been. He never bragged about his service, like most of the Greatest Generation. His reply was, "They all had to do their duty for the country." He served till the end of the war, he then returned to A & M and graduated in the class of 1949. His first job was back to his love of the land. He became a soil scientist for the Soil Conservation Service based in different cities in the Rio Grande Valley. He met his biggest supporter, "Hank", in Harlingen TX. They were married in 1951. Whitey worked his way through the ranks with S.C.S. He spent time in South Dakota as an Assistant State Conservationist. From there, he went back to Texas as a Deputy State Conservationist. He was promoted to State Conservationist of Arkansas in 1973. In May of 1979 Whitey was awarded the Superior Service award "For outstanding direction of Soil Conservation Service programs leading to enhanced environment and improved standards of living for rural residents of Arkansas.''
The award was given by then Secretary of Agriculture, Bob Bergland. Whitey retired in Little Rock and he and "Hank" did some traveling. He also worked a lot on his golf game at Hindman golf course plus growing vegetables in his backyard at 16 Queenspark.
Whitey believed in family, friends, and fairness. He also believed "No beer will be consumed on the golf course till a Par was made". He also believed in declaring a Par on the #3 (Third Hole) if no Par was made. He became an ICON at Hindman Golf Course.
We will have a public viewing / visitation on Saturday, January 09, 2021 between the hours of 1:00PM to 3:00PM at Roller Funeral Home 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211 (501-224-8300). All attendees must provide and wear their own mask. We are limited to 50 people at any one time due to Covid-19.
Per Whitey's instructions, he will be cremated, and his ashes spread to join ''Hank" at South Padre Island, Texas.
For charitable donations in Whiteys remembrance.
Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial 1200 S. Trade Days Blvd, Suite 600
Canton, Texas 75103 {903}-567-0657
Email vzcmgiftshop@gmail.com
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9 Condolence(s)
Liz and Larry Watts
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Dear Myles and Lisa and all of your wonderful family,
I just found out about Whitey. I am so sorry. The last month was not a happy one for you all. Larry and I have great memories of Whitey and feel so fortunate to have shared laughs with him. We are thinking of you all with love,
Cousin Liz
J ack & Carol Davis
Saturday, January 9, 2021
Michele,Melissa & Myles: Our condolences on Whitey's passing. I'm sorry we couldn't be with ya''ll Sat. afternoon but covid 19 kept us away. Whitey and your Mom were great neighbors and friends to our family. Carol and I will be forever grateful for this.Whitey brought us from Ky. to AR. as his Deputy working for the USDA- SCS. He was a terrific mentor and we developed a business and personal relationship that I shall always cherish. It was my honor to follow him as STC when He retired. Carol and I often talk about your Dad's love of dancing and recall the good times we had Saturday nights at the American Legion Post in downtown Little Rock usually joined by Herb & Phyllis, Mac & Peggy, John & Marjory,and your Mom and Dads friends from UPS. Whitey was a fun-loving guy.We'll miss him.
Mike & Elaine Spears
Saturday, January 9, 2021
Uncle Whitey was the patriarch of our family and will be dearly missed. He was kind and always knew the right thing to say, and he had a tremendous love for his family, immediate and extended. His siblings, especially my Dad, Marlin "Chubby", loved to reminisce with Whitey about their days on the farm in Grand Saline and their loving parents, Maudie and MJ. Their memories and stories still live in our hearts. Blessings to the family.
Karen Bizzell
Friday, January 8, 2021
Uncle Whitey was such a wonderful uncle, and family leader for all of us! He may be missed, but we will keep him in our hearts always! Love to all the family.
Mike and Karen Bizzell
Cecilia Echols
Friday, January 8, 2021
My condolences to the Spear family. Thank you for entrusting Hospice Home care to serve caring for him during his final journey to his wife. Miles, he was a very special patient to care for during his time time on Earth.
Hugs, Cecilia Echols, RN
Mitchell Warren
Friday, January 8, 2021
I offer my sincere condolences to the Spears family as Whitey will be greatly missed by all, may God bless him with his grace. I thank Whitey for the memories and guidance he gave me on the golf course. It is an honor to have known him and shared those tee times with him. Our prayers are with the family. Mitchell & Betty Warren
Maureen Calhoon
Friday, January 8, 2021
Miles, Michele, Melissa and families, I’m so sorry to hear about the death of Mr. Spears. At Dr. Hatley’s office, before I retired, I enjoyed Mr. Spears visits and our talks about being from Texas. He was such a kind man, who always kept me up to date on your â€goings onâ€. May he Rest In Peace in God’s Arms, and I’m hoping all your special memories will ease the pain of losing him. Take care, Maureen
Jerry Elizandro
Thursday, January 7, 2021
To my Godson, Lisa and family. my Heart hurts for you . I share in your pain, but i know you will all be Blessed and together again in Gods Hands.
Love, Always
Jerry
Joe and Linda Lander
Thursday, January 7, 2021
Whitey was and will be one of our most favorite people. His love for his friends and family speaks to the type of individual was. He will be missed by all. My god bless his family during this time and years to come. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with you.
All our love,
Joe and Linda Lander