Search by Name

Search by Name

Dan Spears Obituary

Dan "Bee" Spears, who was the beating heart of Willie Nelson's music for more than 40 years as bassist for Nelson's Family Band, died Thursday after an accident at his home near Nashville, Tenn.
Published by Austin American-Statesman on Dec. 10, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Dan Spears

Not sure what to say?





107 Entries

Cathy Schwartz

December 7, 2012

In 2 days it will be the 1 year anniversary of Bee's death. Please all of his family, friends and fans please join me and my family lighting a candle and having a minute of silence and prayer for the freatest bass player ever. R>I>P> Bee...sadly missed and never forgotten...is just not the same at concerts, you not being on that stage.....Cathy Schwartz Stevens Point, WI(saw willie and family every year since 1985)

Freddy Shoemaker

October 1, 2012

I just recently found out that Bee is gone. I knew him and his family when I was growing up in San Antonio. We both went to John Marshall high school. I play the fiddle and I had the chance to play with his Dad when they lived in Helotes. I wish I could make contact with his family. I have been way for awhile and did not find out until yesterday about his passing. I will miss him. RIP

Michelle Fortune

January 4, 2012

To Mrs. Spears and the whole family,

I will pray for you all because I know what it feels like to lose someone that you desperately love. Bee was such a kind, generous man. And he is gone way too young, He was talented and athletic, handsome and decent. I thought he was special and he made me think differently about musicians when I met him the first time at a concert. I met you too Mrs. Spears - you are very pretty and such a sweet person. I met you when I just turned 18 and so I remember that day well because you let me sing you my first song that I wrote. It was an excellent experience to be around Bee and his wonderful personality and energy on stage. I am so sorry for your loss.
Michelle Fortune - Boston 774-222-0707

Juanita Schmitz

December 28, 2011

To the entire Spears family and Willie Nelson; My thoughts and prayers are with you and pray that God will comfort you during this sad time. I thought alot of Bee and am saddened to hear that he has left us.

the Reimers

December 26, 2011

So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you, Billy and Anna Reimer and daughter Kathleen Reimer, (HELOTES, Texas)

Pam Langford

December 25, 2011

My deepest sympathies to the Spears (and Nelson) families, especially sweet Julia. May God hold you in the palms of His hands and bring you peace and comfort during this very difficult time.

Sherrie Smith

December 25, 2011

Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.

Dianne Lindsey-Korenek

December 21, 2011

To Fred and Linda and the entire extended family of Bee.. I remember the fun high school days with Bee drumming around on his guitar, then hanging around Floore's store. We were all so excited for him as he got better and better and ended up with Willie. But besides that he was just a great, kind, funny and awesome friend who was always there when you needed him. Helotes loves him!

December 18, 2011

Oh Bee Man, catch a big one. I hear the fishing is great where you are.
Love, Lana

Debbie Copeland

December 14, 2011

Carol, I was so sorry to hear about your loss. He was a great person and will be missed. Now he can teach Joshua all he knows. My prayers go out to you and Julia and the rest of the Spears family.

December 14, 2011

Rest easy my friend..
I see a new band of greats J. Cash, Waylon & Bee oh yessss...
LD

Deberah Perkins

December 14, 2011

Julia, I'm so sorry. Jess came over to tell me the news Saturday morning. We were so saddened by this. We will be praying for you and the kids.

john stoltenborg

December 13, 2011

My prayers and blessings to the Spears Family, friends, and WN+F. I will always be grateful I got to know him over the past few years.My favorite memory was in Lakewood NJ, he had just come back from playing golf, and he bought me a beer and invited me up to his room so he could make a phone call. turns out he was looking for a place to go fishing and my brother in law lived nearby and was able to tell him where to fish. He caught a fish that night and the story was on Willie's sight about how he put the fish under someone's bunk. I have a photo of him walking off into the sunset, to his bus, with 2 bird feathers in his baseball hat going fishing.

tim watson

December 13, 2011

back in 1990 bee, richie allbright, mark dreyer and me had a band that bee named the rockin r bunkhouse wranglers. we did a few shows backing willie. what a blast. bee could always keep us laughing. proud to call him my friend for all these years. godspeed uncle bee!!!

Nancy Jones

December 13, 2011

Just a fan of Willie and his band. Bee was a great musician.We will miss him.

JUANELL FELLER

December 13, 2011

TO THE FAMILY OF BEE I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. REMEMBERING BACK TO WHEN WE ALL USED TO GO AND VISIT AT WOOD`S STORE AND YO`LL LIVED UP IN BACK OF THE STORE. FRED AND SAM I AM SO SORRY. DON`T HAVE YOUR ADDRESS. JUANELL

December 13, 2011

Bee we went to high school together. I'll always remember the kindness you and your family extended to me when I ran away from home. I'll never forget your frendship. Rest in peace. To the whole Spears family my deepest condolences.
Bubba Brown
Helotes, Tx.

Toni Salay

December 13, 2011

The world has lost a great musician and a good man

"Little" Buddy.

December 13, 2011

Why do all the "good ones" go? I knew him for years. He was better than a "nice guy". He was "DOUBLE JAM UP!!!!!

Susan Butler-Cornell

December 13, 2011

I remember back when you and Howard raised that pig for Mr. Vickers' ag glass at Marshall. Y'all put white shoe polish on to make the pig look better. He's gone now and so are you, with far too many years inbetween visits. Rest in peace. Deep condolences to your family.

Steve Hopwood

December 12, 2011

I didn't know Bee, but I sure wish I had. He will have a place in history and having a part in Willie's legacy. What a life that must have been

December 12, 2011

Bee Watch you play so many time with Willie. . I seen how your eyes light up when the crowds cheers. You will be miss by many of the Seven Nation Tribal. Your Native Friend
Morningstar Sparrowhawk walk with Bear

Shirley Bowes

December 12, 2011

I got to see Dan Bee Spears in concert with Willie Nelson,and thought he was great.My sympathies go out to his family and Willie Nelson and the rest of the band.

December 12, 2011

I remember Bee's laugh and how he got so tickled when he thought something was funny. He was definitely a character and I thought it was so great to be his cousin. We will miss him and think of him often. Ted & Mary Spears, Christine & Randy Thuesen, Teddie A. Spears, Tammie & Lawrence Calvert, Tim & Barbara Spears send their love to Julia and all of our family. We love you all and please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow.

Christine Spears Thuesen, Center Point Tx.

Chris and Cynthia Theis

December 12, 2011

You will be missed dearly Uncle Dan...I will miss seeing you around, but your name will forever carry on with the music and endless humorous spirit....Cindy Lil Renee Vrrroom

Tinker Dunn

December 12, 2011

So Sad and such a loss of talent.My sympathy to the entire circle of family and friends of Bee.Fred and Linda,I know it is a very sad time for you.You have my thoughts and prayers.Your long time friend.Tinker...

Sidney Lanier

December 12, 2011

I knew Bee well! I will certainly miss him, particularly playing golf. Julia, you have my sincere sympathy, If there is anything I can do, you can reach me through Dale. This is Sid, Julia. My heart is with you.

john muntz

December 12, 2011

Never knew Bee or met him... But I saw him 9 or 10 times w/Willie....
I am sorry for your loss.. John Muntz (Minneapolis, MN)

Jack & Lisa Short

December 12, 2011

My most heartfelt sympathy is extended to the Spears' family.

Kathy & Gradie Johnson

December 12, 2011

We are shocked and saddened to hear of Bee's passing. Our hearts go out to you Julia, all of Bee's family, Willie, the band and crew. Bee made us laugh with his wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. We wish you peace and comfort now and in the days to come. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Susan Otten Britt

December 12, 2011

My most heartfelt sympathy is extended to the Spears' family. It seems like yesterday that your band won the talent contest at Marshall High School - the start to a long and successful journey. I will never forget you. 143

Olivia Rader

December 12, 2011

Bee was a great neighbor and kind man. One of the most giving souls I have ever known. You will be missed greatly. RIP!

Johnny & Suzi Gerfers

December 11, 2011

Deepest wishes to the Spears family, especially his children and grandchildren, put take peace in knowing he is with Tinker and Pootie and he will live on in our memories of him.

Mickey Smith

December 11, 2011

We were sorry to hear about the passing of Bee, he will be missed and loved by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Spears Family and his family with Willie Nelson. Mickey and Sheryl Smith (friends from high school)

Eileen Pace

December 11, 2011

Bee, we already miss you. So very much. Rest in peace.

Cindi Lou Locke

December 11, 2011

R.I.P. Bee you will be greatly missed.

Sally Chapman Yates

December 11, 2011

My deepest condolences to the Spears family. A terrible loss but a comfort knowing Bee and Tinker are together again.

ShaLyn English

December 11, 2011

R.I.P. Bee!

ShaLyn (Warren) English

Carol Meyer

December 11, 2011

My heart is crying with everyone who has ever been touched by Bee's wonderful, fun-loving spirit.

Joe McAlister

December 11, 2011

MY heart goes out to the friends and family of "BEE" I knew his as a bandmate with Chambers and Bush. He was a class act by himself. Never a dull moment around "BEE" The road was his home and Willie's
group was his family. Miss you!

A Friend

December 11, 2011

thanks for bringing my dad to nashville. my life would have never been the same if u hadnt invited him in for a beer

Jimbo Short

December 11, 2011

First met Bee 1974 i was a DJ at KAFM Dallas in 1976 was road manager for Waylon. Bee always made everyone feel special.We'll see you again Bee. Hope you have your tool box with you my friend (an inside joke)there will be more laughter in gods house.Say hi to Poodie.

Jimmie Roan

December 11, 2011

i met Bee through his cousin Tim Spears who was a very dear and close friend. Tim and i lost touch in the 70s. i feel very lucky to have met both of them and am so sad and sorry to hear about Bee. At our age it becomes all too common for losses such as this but it never gets easier. My thoughts and love to the family. Tim i love you and miss you.

Joyce Maddox

December 11, 2011

God speed my friend. You will be missed. You are part of heavens band now.

KATHY ANASTOPOULOS

December 11, 2011

"BEE "YOU ARE SO VERY LOVED."
YOU ALWAYS HAD A JOKE AND A SMILE FOR EACH PERSON YOU MET..AND YOU MADE SO MANY PEOPLE HAPPY ..
YOU NEVER FORGOT THE LITTLE PEOPLE.(SO MANY TIMES YOU MADE IT OKAY FOR PEOPLE TO MEET ALL OF YOU! ) HOW MANY TIMES DID YOU SNEAK ME AND CRIS IN? THE WORLD AND THE WILLIE NELSON FAMILY HAS LOST A GREAT HUMAN BEING..
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE!! LOVE CRIS & KATHY ANASTOPOULOS
YOUR BOSTON BUDDIES!!

Billy Thomas

December 11, 2011

My heartfelt condolences to the Spears & Nelson familys. Bee treated everyone as family such a gracious man . I will always cherish my time spent with him. Such a loss is never understood.

Mary Smith

December 11, 2011

So very sorry to hear of Dan Spears' passing! Praying that the comfort that is needed at this time, will be found through God! An awesome musician is now playing with that Heavenly Band! Love to all of his family, friends and fans, especially to Willie Nelson!!! RIP Bee!!!

Martha Ann Smith

December 11, 2011

Deepest Sympathy. May the Lord put His great, warm hand in the small of your back to brace you up and give you comfort. Will keep you all in my prayers. Martha Ann Smith, Morganton, N.C.

Bubba&Patsy Brown

December 11, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Spears family, and the Nelson family & friends. We loved Bee as a friend and musician. RIP Beeman.

Ann Allen

December 11, 2011

BEE,when we all ran together in school,and into later life,you have always been a great friend and person. May God Bless you and everyone close to you.One of a kind BEE Spears.

Doris & Lucky Kaczor

December 11, 2011

So sorry to learn of Bee's passing. We been following Bee with Willie since the late 60's. First time we met Bee was at Jimmy's Tavern in Camden, along with Willie, Jimmy Dey, Paul English and the rest of Willie's "Family." RIP Bee!

Jack Propps

December 11, 2011

1975 I first saw him in a dress. He and Mickey were in ''Drag'' singing [shemale] back-up to Willie and Waylon on Goodhearted Woman. Later that night he Played me my first ever VIDEO- Game of Pong on the Bus. I got to know him and play with him a couple times here in nashville with The Pintos. He was so talented He could play any song by following 'the back' of a Guitarist hand,! I,ll miss him. So sorry for his family.

Fred Burger

December 11, 2011

i keep thinking this is just a horrible, silly nightmare and everything will be alright in the morning. but then morning comes and i can't hold back the tears. Bee was one of the best people i've ever known. i'm just thankful that he was a friend, no questions asked, and that he shared pieces of his life with me for 30 years. i think Bee would remind us: don't take anything for granted, not ever, and be careful out there, always. love ya, man.

patti willard

December 11, 2011

Keep playing,we will hear you again when we get there.

patti willard

December 11, 2011

I know Ralph&Poodie are greeting you with open arms! our heartfelt sorrow to all of your birth&performing families.

Judy Groves

December 10, 2011

I am so saddened by Bee's death. The loss of him will be deeply felt throughout the music world. I am so sorry for his family and friends and of course Willie. God bless you all at this time and hour of your need.

Darlene Blake

December 10, 2011

no words can express the sadness felt from hearing this today, my heart goes out to Willie and the band, and to his family. God bless you all,
Sincerely,

Darlene Blake
WNFC member

December 10, 2011

We were saddened to hear of the death of "Bee". I met him when I married Sam. Bee was 17 and learning to play the guitar. I will never be able to forget "Tennessee Waltz" as played by Bee over and over and over. Our best to the family as they make this new adjustment in their lives.
Sam and Lynn Spears
140 Calk Lane No. 1902
Boerne, TX 78006
[email protected]

November 16, 2011 - Helotes, Texas

P C

December 10, 2011

November 16, 2011 - Helotes, Texas

P C

December 10, 2011

November 16, 2011 - Helotes, Texas

P C

December 10, 2011

November 16, 2011 - Helotes, Texas

P C

December 10, 2011

Rich "Pretzelrod" Cullwell

December 10, 2011

It was a honor to be a friend of the "BeeMan" for 30 plus years. we will all miss him dearly. RIP

Huey Mitchum

December 10, 2011

R.I.P. Uncle BEE! You will be missed more than you could ever imagine...

Vicki Walters

December 10, 2011

The world won't be the same without Bee Spears in it. My heart goes out to the Spears family especially our gaughter, Joanna Spears Pagilinan and our grandchilden, Riley and Jude. He was a great father and wonderful grandfather. I bet there is a lot more laughter in heaven!

Genzie Nyborg

December 10, 2011

First met Bee in 1975 when I was 15....Bee was a great person who loves his fans as much as Willie. Prayers are with Bee and his family.

Cathy Klepper

December 10, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Family. I am thankful that I was able to truly call him my friend. Thanks for all of the fun and jokes and for just being you. You will be missed...

Melida Flores

December 10, 2011

Sleep with the angels.....

We'll miss you, Bee!!

Myra Markham

December 10, 2011

Not only Bee's family including Willie and the band, but the whole world has lost a man that gave his all to "the Willie sound". In time, I hope your memories will bring your hearts peace and healing. God will be with you through this difficult time. Look in the sky and there will be one more star playing in heaven's band!!

tom white

December 10, 2011

our prayer go out to ya'll,he will be missed and prayers to the nelson family as well

jeanne robitaille

December 10, 2011

R.I.P. DAN
YOU WILL BE MISSED

Frank James

December 10, 2011

We Willie fans are all going to miss you. Journey well.

Ella Fulton/Pemberton

December 10, 2011

May God give your family Peace and Comfort at this time and all time !

Jamie and Albert Goode

December 10, 2011

this a a great loss that will felt by many.. we feel very honored to have had the pleasure to meet Bee.

Diane Sefcik

December 10, 2011

Bee will be greatly missed. Condolences to his family. A wonderful kind hearted man.

D.J. Phelps

December 10, 2011

My deepest condolence to Bee Spears Family and to his other close family Willie Nelson. Best Wishes LittleCountryDJ

Robert Lancaster

December 10, 2011

"Unforgettable, incomparable bassist and an anchor for W Nelson band... from "debut " w/ Willie at Junction, Tx, 1968 'till present....Adios, Bee.... R C L (Lil Bob)

K Love

December 10, 2011

So sad, may Bee continue to make beautiful music in heaven, sincere sympathies to his family and friends.

John Marples

December 10, 2011

From over The Big Pond, R I P Bee, will miss seeing you on the tours

Anna Stirling

December 10, 2011

My deepest warmth with prayers for the Spears Family. What a loss of a wonderful man. Also, extended our love and compassionate regards for Willie and close band members. As ever, with love.

Angela Hanrahan

December 10, 2011

I am truly sorry for your loss of a great friend,God Bless

Gala Deckard

December 10, 2011

Rest in Peace! BEE, you will be Sadly Missed by All* GOD Bless You & your Families*True Fan*

Doris Gardner

December 10, 2011

I remember you as a fun person, talented, and so thoughtful of others. Max is waiting for you behind those pearly gates.

Carol

December 10, 2011

Those who go before us are never forgotten, their memory remains as the warm of a flame. My condolences to all of the Nelson family. I love your music and will never forget the wonderful contributions of your band members to that music

Starr Stephenson

December 10, 2011

If the heart had no tears, the soul has no rainbows. GOD bless Bee's family as you celebrate the life of one who was blessed by God at birth. Bee has been called Home to play in God's country band.

Joseph Graves

December 10, 2011

RIP, Bee you will be missed. My prayers for family and friends.

Tony Hampton

December 10, 2011

A very kind and gentle man. Will miss him very much, but his bass playing music will live on for ever. RIP

Bill Noble

December 10, 2011

Rest in peace dear friend. I will cherish the time we spent together always.

Craig & Cassell Leon

December 10, 2011

A great musician and a great person. He will be sorely missed.

Mary Barriere

December 10, 2011

Words cannot express how sad I am for the loss of such a talented sweet man. Thank you bee, for that last game of pigs. Love and prayers to the family. Mary Barriere.

Tracy Jones

December 10, 2011

Great bassist, good man

December 10, 2011

Such a sad loss,a true talent gone.Prayers are sent up for the Spears family and for the band.

REST IN PEACE DEAR FRIEND. I WILL ALWAYS CHERRISH THE TIME WE SPENT TOGETHER.

BILL NOBLE

December 10, 2011

ShaLyn English

December 10, 2011

R.I.P. Bee!

ShaLyn (Warren) English

Rayburn Beaubouef

December 10, 2011

Although I never knew Bee, personally, I am saddened by this loss to the music community, and to the Willie Nelson "Family" of musicians. May Bee find a place of peace and rest in the Kingdom Of God !!! Prayers for peace and comfort to all concerned !!!

Showing 1 - 100 of 107 results

Make a Donation
in Dan Spears's name

How to support Dan's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Dan Spears's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more