It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our father, Alex Neil Spear, on January 4, 2025, following a tragic vehicle accident in Okeechobee, FL. He would have been 89 years old March 23, 2025. His parents were Valley Pitcock Spear Ellis and Charles Ray Spear. He married Betty Phyllis Allison on July 1, 1955 and they were married for 63 years before her death in October 2018. Dad lovingly cared for Mom, who suffered with Alzheimers disease, for many years. They had six children: Kathy (Mike) Bitz, Karen (Bob) Beahon, David (Deb) Spear, Darryl (Marcia) Spear, Dan (Sonjia) Spear, and Alison (Brian) Boris. He was proud of his large family of six kids and spouses, 19 grandkids, and 41 great-grandkids.
Dad was one of a kind! He led an active life right up to the end. He continued to sing in church choir both in Michigan and Florida, and sang the solo in “Oh Holy Night” on Christmas Eve for decades, including this past Christmas. He was a proud member of Dr. Steven Darr’s group’s for over 20 years: The Celebration Choir and The Brown Bag Hymn Sing Choir that met at South Lake Wales Church of God on the campus of Warner University. He sang in the Ford Chorus in Dearborn, MI for many years & participated in their plays & stage productions, often as the lead male role. He also sang any time he felt the occasion needed a song. He retired from Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI after over 30 years of service. Dad served in the Naval Reserves for eight years: four years active and four on call.
Dad golfed up to three times a week! He loved playing Bingo and going to the casino. Dad was an avid collector of trivia and languages and, at last count, was able to greet us in at least 25 different languages. He could complete a crossword puzzle in no time! Dad loved to talk and tell jokes and never met a stranger! He was loved and will be missed by so many family members and dear friends. We thank you all for your outpouring of love, hugs, prayers and memories! They are so very much appreciated at this difficult time.
We will post details of his memorial at a later date.
