Joseph Julian Spears Jr.

1931 - 2016

Joseph Julian Spears, Jr. of Mt. Holly, left this life on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 holding the hands of his two adored children, Derek and Suzie. Born in York County, SC on May 24, 1931 to the late Joseph J. and Emily Lucinda (Sifford) Spears, he attended Clover High School, Erskine College SC, and Appalachian State University NC, receiving a BA, & MA. Joe was a veteran of the United States Navy Reserves and served during the Korean War. He taught in Clover, SC, Ranlo, Mt. Holly High and East Gaston High Schools and was principal for the Gaston Alternative School in NC. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Marie Dowd Spears, on February 15, 2016.

Joe could recall names, dates, people and their stories after eight decades. He was a gifted athlete regardless of the sport, football, basketball, golf or tennis, and enjoyed playing and coaching, never losing the passion for it. As coach, he was known for wearing his signature, red socks and his teams were known for their "happy-go-lucky" but very winning attitudes. The teams he coached never forgot him. Continuing with his sports into later life, he was inducted into the Mt Holly and Gaston County Hall of Fames 2014, 2015. He was recognized for volunteering and involvement with the Mt Holly Optimists through basketball leagues and little league baseball teams, and served as Athletic Director and coach, 1956-1994. Joe and two of his closest friends journeyed across country and back one memorable summer creating even more classic "Joe" road trip tales. He loved to read especially Louis L'Amour and all things western, and was fascinated by the Old West and loved visiting the places he had read about. Additionally, he and Marie traveled throughout their lives, covering a few continents, but their get-away place was always Edisto Beach SC. It was a home built on the memories of their dear family and friends. Joe was a staunch supporter of public education and was elected president of the local NCAE and held other positions as well as being chosen a delegate to numerous state and national NEA conventions. His rapport with students was unexcelled. He had the rarest of abilities to talk to anyone, on any level about almost anything and make that person feel better about themselves and their situation. There was a reason he was called to "guidance". Joe and Marie's grandchildren brought even more joy and stories into their lives. When the grandchildren were not there, any of the menagerie of pets that Joe would have at any point in time would keep them busy. Joe was into "rescue" of animals before it became fashionable. He always had a knack for helping the less fortunate - be they animal or people. To sum up Joe and his life is daunting but not impossible. He was comfortable in his own skin whether it be in a tuxedo meeting the governor of NC or sitting at a favorite watering hole with friends. Joe never believed he was better than anyone else, but all who crossed his path knew, he was extraordinary. We have all been left changed for the better in this life for having known Joe Spears. Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Joseph Derek and Mary Vance Spears of Charlotte; daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne Marie and Scott Wilson of Traverse City, Michigan; brother and sister-in-law, Stanhope and Dot Spears of Columbia, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Linda Carole Dowd of Charlotte; SC; four grandsons, Nathaniel and Blaise Wilson of Traverse City, MI and Vance and John Kenneth Spears of Charlotte; two nephews, Charles Lowder and Alester Spears and four nieces, Karen Lowder, Anna McFarland, Meg Dowd and Mary Dowd and was preceded in death by nephew, Stanhope Spears, Jr. Visitation will take place at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mt Holly on Thursday, 1/5/2017 from 5 pm - 8 pm. Funeral Services take place at First Presbyterian Church of Mt Holly on Friday, 1/6/2017 at 4:00 pm, followed by a celebration of life gathering at the Municipal Complex Grand Hall, 400 E. Central Avenue, Mt Holly. All are welcome. Memorials may be made to Gaston Hospice, First Presbyterian Church in Mt Holly, or to a charity of your choosing. Condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.woodlawnfuneral.org. Woodlawn Funeral Home of Mount Holly is serving the family.