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Charles Spann Obituary
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Lt. Col. Charles William Spann, 88, U.S. Army Retiree, went to be with his Lord on July 27, 2012 after a brief illness. He was born January 30, 1924 to Frank George and Hortense S. Spann, both deceased.
He graduated from Greenwood High School, the United States Military Academy at West Point, and earned a Master's degree in electrical engineering at Purdue University. His 20 years of service included being a part of the Army of Occupation in Germany, the Artillery Advisor to the Chinese Army under General Chiang Kai Chek in Taiwan, and a "hole in the mountain" in New Mexico; but his favorite was teaching cadets at the academy at West Point.
Upon his retirement, he taught electrical engineering at Mississippi State University and spent 16 years with Litton Industries who were building nuclear submarines. In his second retirement, he became well-known for the tiny figurines he carved from wood. He never would sell them but gave away far more than he kept.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Hortense "Mrs. Aven" Whittington, and his first wife, Martha Lowrey Spann.
Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Merle Phillips Gray Spann; son, Frank George Spann (Susan); daughters, Charlotte Bryant (Kent), and Gail Foretich (Johnny); step-children, Wayne Gray (Belinda), Barbara Melton (Jerry), and Jim Gray (Serina); 17 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held at St. Mark's United Methodist Church on Grants Ferry Road at 2:00pm Monday, July 30, 2012. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 1:00pm. Interment will follow the service in Bethany Cemetery at Bethany United Methodist Church on Cato Road.
Memorial may be made to Bethany-Calhoun Cemetery Association, c/o Betty Phillips, P.O. Box 99, D'Lo, MS 39062 or to the charity of your choice.
Please visit www.ottandleefuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Spann
6 Entries
Trina Lewis
July 23, 2021
I still have the butterfly carving necklaces that you and Ms. Merle gave me. Such wonderful memories.
Vanessa Craig
August 1, 2012
My Grandfather was a great man, and the family will miss him. I Love You Grandaddy. My thoughts are with my Grandmother. I Love You Granny!
August 1, 2012
My deepest condolences to you Merle, and your family. Although I did not know Charlie long, I know he will be greatly missed by all.
Debra Wood
Lakeland Barber
July 30, 2012
Merle; Prayers your way. I am so grateful to have Charlie in my life experience.
Blessings and Peace
Gary Miller
Trina Lewis
July 30, 2012
Ms. Merle- My greatest condolences to you at this time. You and Mr. Charlie have come to become part of my family and he will be missed. My only comfort is knowing that he is not suffering anymore and can finally rest. Thank You and Mr. Charlie for all the wonderful memories!! With Love, Trina
Clifton McDonald
July 29, 2012
Aunt Merle, please accept my sympathies from my family to you. You are in our prayers. Uncle Charlie was a great man. If we can do anything, please let us know. Clifton, Maggie, Lexi McDonald
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