Herschel P. Spiers

Herschel "Dick" Spiers
August 31, 1940 - November 5, 2025
Herschel "Dick" Spiers, known lovingly as Papa, passed away on November 5, 2025, surrounded by the family he worked so hard for and loved beyond measure.
Papa was a dedicated, hardworking family man - the true definition of grit and devotion. Family was everything to him, and hard work was simply a way of life. A cowboy through and through, he spent his life farming, raising cattle and pigs, and rodeoing on his faithful horse of 30 years, Ben. He loved nothing more than roping and penning cattle on Ben - the two were an inseparable team through countless long days of work and rodeos. Over the years, he proudly showed cattle for different farms and worked as a welder for Noble Drilling until his retirement.
He was blessed with a loving wife of 63 years, Barbary (Granny), who kept things running at home while he was away working, and two sons who followed in his footsteps of determination and integrity. Even at 85 years old, he still carried Granny's senior picture from high school in his wallet - a simple reminder of the love story they built together. Papa never missed a special occasion, always making sure Granny had real flowers and a card, no matter how many years went by. Herschel and Barbary created a life rooted in love, faith, and hard work.
In retirement, Papa and Granny spent their days camping with friends at Jordan River, enjoying the simple joys of fishing and fellowship. He found great joy in hunting, fishing, and being involved in his great grandsons' rodeos. He also shared his love of old country music - especially George Jones - with his great grandsons and their friends, often spending evenings on the porch playing those songs, singing along, and dancing together while laughter filled the air. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were his pride and joy - and they'll never forget that unmistakable Spiers laugh, or hearing him say "boy oh boy" or "use your pretty little head for something other than a hat rack."
You could always find Papa in one of his plaid pearl-snap shirts, never without a cap or cowboy hat - and never without his trusty pocketknife, Barlow, by his side. He loved Jesus and kept his Bible beside his chair, right next to his farming magazines and Market Bulletin. His TV stayed tuned to old westerns, RFD, the Weather Channel, or a good rodeo. Every year, he faithfully cared for his tomato plants and his well-known catalpa worm trees, and if you ever needed something, chances were he had it tucked away in his barn.
There was always a fresh pot of coffee at Papa's house, and nothing made him happier than sitting on the porch with company - talking, laughing, and telling old stories over a cup or two. Those simple moments were his favorite kind of day.
Papa had the heart of a servant - always giving, always helping, and always making sure no one was ever left in a bind. He lived to take care of others, and his generosity and kindness touched everyone who crossed his path.
Papa was headstrong and determined - a trait proudly passed down through generations - and full of stories that could fill an evening and a heart. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and lessons that will live on in all who knew him.
Papa was laid to rest on top of the hill, so he could still be in the middle of things and keep a watchful eye over his family he loved so dearly.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 12:00 pm at Lee's Chapel #2 Missionary Baptist Church.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm at Lee's Chapel #2 Missionary Baptist Church.
Burial will be in the Spiers Cemetery, located at 8520 Caesar Necaise rd., Perkinston, MS, under the direction of McDonald Funeral Home.
Bro. Peyton Lee will officiate the service.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Spiers and Olian Ladner Spiers; his brother, Charles "Junior" Spiers; his sister, Linda Ann Spiers Ladner; his infant sister, Elvenia Ann; and his infant brother.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 63 years, Barbary Ann Lee Spiers; his sons, Herschel (Cindy) Ray Spiers and Ronnie (Christine) Spiers; his 5 grandchildren, Joshua (Jessica) Spiers, Adam (Sarah) Spiers, Brittany Spiers, Heather (Brooks) Frierson, and Ashley Cantrell Holland; his 14 great grandchildren, Alexis Frierson, Colton Frierson, Kyler Brown, Maddix Hyneman, Anniston Holland, Gavin Spiers, Easton Spiers, Colbi Frierson, Gabriel Spiers, Gracelynn Spiers, Tayten Strahan, Titan Frierson, Juliette Spiers, and Gentry Spiers; his four sisters, JoRee Spiers King, Eva Lee Smith, Betty (Eddie) Martin, and Nancy Ladner; and his numerous nieces and nephews.