Leon Otis Spiers Jr.

SPIERS, Leon Otis Jr., our beloved dad, passed away peacefully in the early morning of March 13, 2023.

Dad's life, his heart, work and time, were fully and joyfully devoted to his family. He loved being the husband of Jackie, she was his "Queen" and he was her "Hotshot" for over 69 years. He loved being a dad, granddad and great-granddad. Dad was so steadfast and intentional in encouraging, supporting and celebrating the accomplishments of us all. He was a builder of buildings, and he also built a strong and generous foundation of love and security for each of us. We will know and cherish this forever.

Dad was warm, loyal, funny with a dry wit, intelligent and adventurous. He loved boating, flying single engine planes, photography, landscape design and crafting the beautiful home he shared with Jackie for so many years. Dad and Mom loved to travel, from vacations in a rustic cottage on the Rappahannock River, to the elegance of resorts in the Caribbean, Switzerland and many western states in the U.S., as well as many, many summers at Sandbridge Beach. Dad enjoyed including the whole family on these trips whenever possible. Sharing time and delights with family was so important to him.

Dad was a proud veteran of the army, serving in the Korean War as a fire direction chief. He received the Bronze Star for his service. Dad was always appreciative of all veterans, feeling deeply what service to our country means.

He was very proud of his business, Davis & Spiers, Inc., that his father started and he later took over as president. Davis & Spiers, Inc., a general contractor of commercial buildings in the Richmond area, was very well-known, respected and valued for quality and integrity. Dad was so pleased that his nephew, Tom Spiers, continued the business with the same skill and care for so many years.

Dad was also proud that, when his doctor told him he needed to walk to strengthen his back, he did so for 30 years, logging in almost 22,000 miles! Many neighbors remember his orange hat as he walked the neighborhoods of Roslyn and Glenbrook Hills in the early morning light.

Dad was born May 7, 1928, to Leon Otis Spiers Sr. and Mary Farmer Spiers. He had one brother, John Thomas "Bo" Spiers (Betty). He loved the family decision to move to a farm in Hanover County, and his childhood years spent there shaped his love for nature and the outdoors. Dad was married to Mom, Jacqueline "Jackie" Moore Spiers, whom he loved and cared for with all his heart. They were true partners. These, and their faithful dogs, Freckles and Jason, are the loved ones whom Dad treasured and who have predeceased him.

Remaining to remember and to celebrate Dad's life are his son, Dr. Leon O. Spiers lll (Ann); his daughter, Jan Spiers (Kai Dozier); his grandchildren, Cary Oaster (Clint), Cate Oliveri (Dominick) and Sara Spiers; his great-grandchildren, Evie and Joey Oliveri; his nephews, Tom Spiers (Claudia) and Scott Spiers (Terry); and, his most special friend and caregiver, Shelley Roberts, who brought much comfort, companionship and joy to the last 11 months of Dad's life.

We are grateful that there are many team members at Cedarfield who cared for Dad with tenderness, respect and enjoyment. Your help and care meant so much to him and to all of us.

Dad was such a kind, good and thoughtful man. He loved his family completely. He was proud of and fully devoted to each of us. We love him and are so proud of him too. We are very, very grateful for our dad, granddad and great-granddad. Dad's memory lives on within all of us, with joy and devotion, too.

The West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home in Glen Allen, Virginia, is handling arrangements.

Funeral services will be private.