Gary H. Spiers, Sr.

Gary Hampton Spiers, Sr., 84, passed peacefully at his home in Staunton, on Monday, February 10, 2025. 

Born in Roanoke October 20, 1940, to the late Beverly Kennon Spiers, Jr. and Ruby Pauline Caldwell Spiers, his first decades were dedicated to baseball, bicycles, delivering newspapers, bullying his little brother, and playing the baritone in the marching band including a proud day performing in JFK’s inauguration.

He earned an undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech in Forestry & Wildlife, and a graduate degree in Wildlife Management, also from Virginia Tech. 

He worked for Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for 35 years and retired as Wildlife Biologist Region 4 Manager. When newly wed, he worked seasonally for the National Park Service at Rocky Knob Camp Ground on the Blue Ridge Parkway where he lived on site with his young wife in a tiny travel trailer called “The Honey Moon Palace”. 

He enjoyed hunting with English Setters, shooting skeet at Shenandale, volunteering with the Ruffed Grouse Society, and singing in choirs. In his later years, he studied Tai Chi. 

He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Joyce Ann Pate Spiers; a daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Spiers, of Virginia; his son, Gary Hampton Spiers, Jr., of Virginia; three grandchildren; Scott Ratliff 2nd, Theodore J. Spicer, and Millicent E. Spicer, all residing in Virginia; a younger brother, James Kennon Spiers, of Alaska, who may now safely return to the lower 48; and a fine dog. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his elder sister, Beverly Ann Spiers, of Roanoke, Virginia.

A celebration of life is scheduled at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton. 

Interment at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem is to be scheduled. 

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah (c/o Augusta Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939), or to the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Regimental Band (Virginia Tech, Corps of Cadets Advancement, 902 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061). 

Arrangements are being handled by Henry Funeral Home.