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.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15014555800.
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31 Condolence(s)
Shannon Logan
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Praying for your family years ago as I was just a little girl I remember going on vacations with your family and mine BRANSON just a great memory I will never forget,
Jimmy wedtlake
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Thinking about earlier days when things were much simpler.
Linda McNeal
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Mrs Janice, l am so very sorry for your loss. I didn't know Billy Joe personally, but have heard many stories of the fine man that he was from others. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the entire Spann family. ♥️🙏🏻
Joanna Strike
Friday, August 22, 2025
One of my favorites to see at the Spann/Thurston birthdays/weddings/etc, and I will miss seeing him. I wish I had known him longer than what I did. He loved seeing all our wild foster kids. Lol. And what came to mind about him is exactly what was written in this obituary: Faith, Family, Hard-working, and loving others. Such a great man!
Sue Caple
Friday, August 22, 2025
Billy Joe and my brother Bill Barnes were 1952 classmates. So sorry to hear of his passing. Love and prayers to Janice and all of the family.
JW & Beth Crane
Friday, August 22, 2025
We are so sorry for the loss of a great man. Billy Joe always had time to talk. Often I would see he and Janice in Walmart spending money. Always enjoyed seeing them out and about. He will surely be missed by so many friends and especially his family.
Natasha Donham Howard
Friday, August 22, 2025
To: The Spann family so sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
From: Natasha, Teresa & Mickey Gilliam
Dolores Koerdt Reeves
Friday, August 22, 2025
Prayers for the family during this time of sorrow. Just remember he is having fun getting ready to go hunt deer. Remember the good times, may he rest in peace
Jerry Carlton
Friday, August 22, 2025
So sorry to hear of the passing of Billy Joe. Our prayers and thoughts go out for all the Spann family during this time of loss. He was a special person and one that a lot of us looked up to when growing up there in East End. He will be missed by us all but we have comfort in knowing he is now in a better place. May God comfort each and every family member during this difficult time.
Jerry and Ann Carlton
Ron Snead
Friday, August 22, 2025
Serena and I send our deepest condolences to his wife Janice and to his entire family. Billy Joe was genuinely a kind man who truly loved the Lord. He often went out of his way to make people feel they were important. I personally enjoyed the time together sitting around the deer camp fires and listening to Billy Joe and others tell stories of their life experiences. I am thankful for the many years of family day and preaching services that I was able to participate in at deer camp often with Billy Joe's son bringing the message. He will be missed. Prayers for his wonderful family. May God continue bless and care for them.
Charley Cupples
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Billy Joe was a great man I enjoyed working for him on many homes in East End. To his family I am so sorry for your loss
Jimmy wedtlake
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Thinking about earlier days when things were much simpler.
Phyllis Richey
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Dear Family,
Mr. Billy Joe built our first home in East End along with Mr. Buddy. He was so kind to Bill and I. He always had a smile and a kind word anytime we saw him at church or in the community. May God Bless with HIS sweet peace.
Chris Mabry
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Billy Joe gave me work when I had nothing and at my lowest. I walked to his house and spit firewood to start. From there I was building houses and one day he sent me to the water department for an interview covered in sawdust. I owe him my career, and he said very little. Everything he said lifted me up. Rest in peace
Judy McDaniel Long
Thursday, August 21, 2025
I was so sorry to hear about Billy Joe a fine man my heart goes out to Janice I'm sooo sorry for your loss my mom loved all of the Spann's very fine couple in our community prayers for everyone
Dan & LeAnn Rollans
Thursday, August 21, 2025
We've always appreciated the way Billy Joe and all of his family welcomed us to the community 25 years ago. No doubt the example set by him and Janice has been invaluable to their family. Never an easy time but remember all the blessings and take comfort in where he is and will always be watching over you all.
Amy Reinert
Thursday, August 21, 2025
My thoughts and prayers for the entire family! Billy Joe Spann was a good and faithful man! He will be missed by those who knew him!
Linda Spann crosby
Thursday, August 21, 2025
I was born a Spann but lost my dad George Spann when he when I was only 17 so didn't get to know a lot of my relatives on that side of my family but the ones that I did know were just like he is described hard workers and get a lot for the community and loved his family. I am so sorry for your loss and will be praying for you and your family.
Bell and Aaron Todd
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Rest in peace neighbor. I will miss you driving by our house headed up to your garden to work. Neighbor won't be the same without you. Prayers for your family as they mourn your loss
DJ Goolsby
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Sorry for the loss of you father, grandfather, husband and friend. He was a good man. Respected and cared for by all.
Misti and Kerry Smith
Thursday, August 21, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss and praying for everyone during this sad time.
Mike & Kristy Griffith
Thursday, August 21, 2025
You are in our thoughts and prayers now and the days to come.
Lisa Dossey
Thursday, August 21, 2025
I am so sorry to hear this news. He was a very special guy. He was loved by many. I know he is probably up there fishing in heaven. I pray for all of your comfort during this hard time. Sending big hugs to you Janice. Love to you all, Lisa Dossey
Michael Live
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Mr Billy Jo was one of the best men I've ever known, He and his wife Janice always treated me well, treated me fair. RIP and prayers for the family.
Tim & Tonya Byrd
Thursday, August 21, 2025
We extend our deepest sympathy to your family. What a beautiful tribute to Mr. Bill. He was a gem of a man and our family had tremendous admiration & respect for him. We especially enjoyed crappie fishing with him on the houseboat dock & hearing his life stories over a cup of coffee. He was certainly easy to love and we know there will be an emptiness without him. Heaven is better with him there!! Love & prayers from all the Byrds!
Bonnie Horton
Thursday, August 21, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Uncle Bill was a great man.
Martha Jones
Thursday, August 21, 2025
My condolences. Billy was a very sweet person.
Sue Mathews Parsley
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Billy Joe and I were classmates, Sheridan High School class of 1952. I am saddened to learn of his death. My deepest sympathy to all his family.
Regina Jean
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Peace and comfort to the whole family. He left a legacy behind in his family
Gary Williams (Tri-C Electric)
Thursday, August 21, 2025
One of Our Oldest and Dearest Customers. We will be praying comfort over his family.
Rick Elizandro
Thursday, August 21, 2025
My condolences and thoughts are with the family! Lifting up prayers of peace, rest, and strength! God bless!