William "Bill" Sylvester Spears

William Sylvester “Bill” Spears, 96, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, went home to be with the Lord at 3:10 AM on June 11, 2025, at Camden Clark Medical Center.

Bill was born on April 26, 1929, in Eaton, Wood County, West Virginia, to the late John Franklin Spears Sr and Ada Diana Jenkins Spears. A proud veteran, he served his country in the Korean War from 1951 to 1952 and was a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.). Over the years, he built a strong and honest work life, starting with the B&O Railway and later retiring from Elkem Metals after more than 40 years of dedicated service.

Bill was married to his beloved wife, Mabel Spears, for 51 years. Their life together was a testament to enduring love, family, and faith.

He was a faithful member of Sunrise Church of Christ, where his love for the Lord was evident in both his attendance and active involvement. Known for his high-spirited nature and strong work ethic, Bill was always happiest when using his hands — whether in his garage crafting something new, tending to his garden, or fixing whatever needed fixing. He had a special joy for sharing the fruits of his labor, often bringing fresh vegetables to neighbors and family.

He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, gardening, and taking walks. He loved sports — especially baseball — and took great pride in attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. Time spent with family was most important to him, and he found joy in every moment shared with them.

He is survived by his loving grandchildren: Jamie Spears (Joanna) of South Charleston, West Virginia, Melissa Dowdy (Byron) of Roanoke, Virginia, and Brandi Leigh Snyder-Rowe Seaman (Patrick) of Parkersburg, West Virginia; and his great-grandchildren: Austin, Madison, and Ashton Spears; and Makayla and Will Dowdy.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel Joan Modesitt Spears in 2003; his children, Michael L. Spears and Carolyn “Susie” Snyder (Randy); and his siblings: John Franklin Spears Jr., Norah Jane McLaughlin, Robert Dale Spears, and David Lee Spears; and infant great-grandson, Alexander Blake Wolfram Rowe.

Bill’s legacy is one of faith, service, craftsmanship, and unwavering love for his family. He will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 AM. Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Vaughan Kimes Funeral Home with evangelist Elvis Galbreath officiating. Services will conclude with interment in Mount Carmel Methodist Cemetery, Walker, West Virginia. The Spears family will receive friends from 4-8PM Monday June 16, 2025, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sunrise Church of Christ, where Bill was a devoted member.