Hershall Wesley "Wes" Spradley II

With a heart anchored in faith and a life devoted to service, Hershall Wesley "Wes" Spradley, II, entered his heavenly home on August 23, 2025, at the age of 79. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 14, 1945, Wes was the son of Dollie Blanche and Hershall Wesley Spradley, and brother to Clarcee Mahan-all of whom preceded him in death.

Wes graduated from Burleson High School in 1963, earned his degree in English from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1967, and went on to study Theology and Ancient Greek and Hebrew at Dallas Theological Seminary, graduating in 1972. His love of language carried him through a lifelong journey of study, culminating in a Master's in English Literature from UTSA in 1995.

Wes began in ministry as a youth pastor in Kansas City and Oklahoma before moving his young family to Austin in 1978. There he served as co-Pastor, and later Head Pastor, of Believers Bible Fellowship until 1989, where his preaching centered on the grace of Christ and the importance of a personal relationship with Him. He then turned to teaching at UTSA, where his students found in him both a thoughtful teacher and a compassionate mentor.

After the passing of his beloved wife, Donnie, in 2014, Wes continued their shared call to ministry, traveling to South Africa where he taught the book of John at Union Bible Institute, and nurturing local Bible study groups back home. In recent years, his devotion took the form of translation, as he painstakingly worked through the Hebrew and Greek texts of Scripture at his kitchen table-completing nearly the entire Bible.

Beyond ministry, Wes found joy in reading, photography, and chess, and in earlier years, he was an avid tennis player. He and Donnie traveled widely-to China, Spain, Italy, Peru, Mexico, and Costa Rica. One of Wes's most meaningful journeys was to Israel and the Holy Land with his church family, an experience that deeply enriched his faith.

Wes is survived by his children, Leslie Gawthorp (Monte), Jonathan Spradley (Maxine), and Daniel Spradley (Laura); grandchildren Layton, Madison, Landon, Claire, Andrew, Joanna, Nathan, and Kate; and niece and nephew Sandy Brandon and Scott Mahan (Annette).

As we celebrate Wes's life, we remember his favorite verse, Psalm 16:11: 'You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy.' That promise guided him through ministry, teaching, and family life. His journey also reflected Paul's testimony in 2 Timothy 4:7: 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.' Wes lived with purpose, anchored in the grace of Christ and the love of his family. He now rests in the presence of the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of faith that will continue to encourage all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00am Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Austin Oaks Church, 4220 Monterey Oaks Blvd., Austin, Texas.