Harry Denell Spears

Harry Denell Spears was born in New Albany, Mississippi to Willie L. Spears and Mary Lou Spears on June 27, 1951. He graduated from B.F. Ford High School in May 1969. This class was the last graduating class of the all, and only, Black school in the county.

After high school, Harry joined the U.S. Army. After a couple years of returning home, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri. He joined the K.C. Police Department from which he retired after 25 years. He also worked part-time as Police Security at K.C. Royals games. Finally, he worked at the K.C. MO Public School District for 6 years.

Soon after first arriving in KCMO he married his high school sweetheart, Jessie Mae King (Graves). To this union two daughters were born, Shree M. Jackson and Tamara Y. Spears - McCray.

Later in life, Harry married Brenda Black. There were no children to this union.

He leaves to mourn his death, wife Melodee Spears after 22 years of togetherness; Daughters, Shree M. Jackson (Elvin) and Tamara Y. Spears - McCray (Gary); Brothers, John H. Harris (Gwen) of Tom’s River, NJ, James F. Spears (Carolyn) of KCMO; Sister, Cecelia D. Spears of KCMO; Nine Grandchildren; fifteen Great-Grandchildren; “Play Brother” Robert Hampton; and many friends and classmates of 1969.

Harry was a God loving man and always knew Jesus Christ was his “big brother”, whom he knew he would meet one day, and say job well done. Harry loved being a “Paw Paw” to his family’s children. He was a wonderful brother, always ready to give you the best advice he had guided by love. Harry liked mechanical toys, and usually had more than one of any tool in his shed and garage. He spent many days fishing and outdoor camping. He loved nature. Early in his youth he adopted a love for CB radios, of which he had many. Whenever there was a road trip, he had his CB in the car. He did not fly. His handle was “Wishbone”. Soon, he had his brothers and sisters learning “CB talk” in daily conversation.

Remaining close to his Southern roots, each year he and his family would return to N.A. Miss to celebrate and recognize the annual B.F. High School reunion. Two of his class of ’69 friends drove to KC to be with him in his final hours (Hugh Pratt and Roger Dale Gray).

Preceding him in death are his Father Willie, his Mother Mary Lou, Sister Janice Spears Woodruff, Sister Mary Spears Barnes, Brother J.J. Harris, Brother Willie Spears, Brother Richard Spears, and Sister Dorothy Harris Palmer.

A visitation for Harry will be held Friday, April 7, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Newcomer's Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 BLUE RIDGE BLVD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64133, followed by a funeral service from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.