William Amos “Bill” Spear

July 6, 2022

William Amos “Bill” Spear, age 96, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2022 in Pensacola, FL. Bill was born on May 7, 1926 in Bainbridge, Georgia to Amos Allen Spear and Christine Lunday Spear.

He lived in Pensacola for most of his life. He joined the Navy during World War II at the age of 17. He was onboard ships in the Pacific as a gunner’s mate throughout the war. He was part of The Greatest Generation. Bill retired after 20 years in the Navy. He was stationed onboard aircraft carriers for most of his service as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate. He served during World War II and the Korean War. He also spent 3 years working for the Department of Defense in Vietnam during that conflict. He was most proud of obtaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He was honored in 2015 by the upcoming CPO class at NAS Pensacola at a special ceremony where they presented him with a Navy Working Uniform. Bill was a hard working man who loved to build things. He built homes and businesses all over Pensacola and the Southeast.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was still gardening in his 90’s at his assisted living facility.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Amos and Christine Spear, his sister Eunice Brisch (John), brother Perry Allen Spear, and son David Allen Spear. He is survived by two sons: Billy Spear (Gail) and Scott Spear (Kahly); two daughters, Susan Rawls (Don) and Christie Harris, 17 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his best friend, John Gavin.

Visitation will be on Monday July 11 at 10:30 am at Faith Chapel (South) with the service following at 11:30 am. Burial will be at Barrancas National Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Toys for Tots.

Comments

Comments are closed.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries