Graveside services for Gaines Harvey Spears, Jr., age 87, of Roanoke will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Highway Memorial Gardens with Bro. Scott Whaley officiating and Benefield Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Spears passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024, at Tanner Medical Center – East Alabama in Wedowee, AL.

Survivors include his two sisters, Judy Hanson (Wayne) of York, SC and Sherry Cook of Roanoke, AL.

A Roanoke native, Mr. Spears was born on January 14, 1937, the son of Gaines Harvey Spears, Sr., and Louise Smith Spears.  He was a United States Army veteran and served in the 2nd Army Rifle Battalion 58 Infantry Company D in Germany in 1957.  Due to an injury that happened there, Mr. Spears was honorably discharged in 1958.  He was Congregational Methodist by faith and worked as a night superintendent at Milliken & Company before his retirement.  Mr. Spears was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Richard Alan Spears; and one sister, Frances Owens.