Billy Spears Obituary
Carthage, MS
Billy Joe Spears, 88, passed away peacefully at his home on December 9, 2025. Born on February 2, 1937, he was the son of Lester and Hattie Mae Spears of Philadelphia, Mississippi.
Visitation is 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm Friday, December 12, 2025, at Trinity Baptist Church. Services will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at Trinity Baptist Church with Bro. Dale Rogers officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Wilcox Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers are Matthew Searcy, Chris Searcy, Noah Miller, Max Miller, John McCrory, Jackson Spears, and Payton Warren.
Billy Joe married the love of his life, Patricia (Langston) Spears, and together they shared 65 wonderful years. Shortly after marrying, they made their home in Pearl, Mississippi, where they raised their three children: Shelia Searcy (Jeff), Steve Spears, and Lisa Spears.
He was a proud graduate of Linwood High School. Billy Joe worked for General Electric at the Jackson, MS plant for 30 years, where he built lifelong friendships and a reputation for hard work and integrity. After retiring from GE, he continued serving his community by driving a school bus for the Leake County School District, a role he cherished for the daily interactions with students and staff.
Billy Joe devoted much of his life to his faith. He served as a Deacon at McLaurin Heights Baptist Church, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, and Trinity Baptist Church, where he was a faithful member and leader.
He is survived by his beloved wife Patricia; their three children; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and by all of his siblings: Dorothy Kirby, Willard Spears, Rachel Walton, Shirley Whitehead, Rudolph Spears, Gatha Wooten, and Paul Spears.
Billy Joe was an avid quail hunter who loved the outdoors and the simple joys of life. He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his dedication to family, his incredible sense of humor, and the kindness he extended to everyone he met.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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106 S. Jordan Street, Carthage, MS 39051
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