William Gaither Spears

Mr. William “Bud” Gaither Spears, age 91 of Salisbury, peacefully passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at NOVANT-Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House in Salisbury with his son, Bryan by his side. Born April 12, 1930 in Rowan County, Bud was the son of the late Clarence Gaither Spears and Laura Kiser Spears. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Clara Childers Spears, his brothers, Frank Spears and Gilbert Spears and his sister, Brenda Allman and his son, Rick Marshall. Prior to his declining health, Bud attended Milford Hills Baptist Church.

Bud proudly served his country in the United States Navy. His tour of duty took him many places around the world, which in later years he loved recalling the stories and sharing about his service. After his service, he spent his career working in the manufacturing industry. In his retirement years, Bud loved to garden and in the summer he had a large vegetable garden which he loved sharing the bounty with his family and friends. Prior to becoming ill, Bud could be found watching the sporting events of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved supporting them. He was an avid Atlanta Braves fan and was fortunate enough to see his beloved Braves win the World Series. Bud was committed to his faith and to his family. He was a true gentleman and was just that, a “gentle man.”

Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Bryan Spears and Buddy Spears (Tammie) along with his sisters, Sandra Spears and Pauline “Sis” Fisher. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Justin Spears (Kelley), Lindsey Marshall, Candice Rogers (Heath), Lucas Spears, Heather Bowen (Adam) and great-grandchildren, Audrey, Landon, Isaac, Katelyn and Merrick, along with his former daughter in-law, Patricia Compton Spears, whom he loved as a daughter.

Visitation for Bud will be on Thursday, November 18, 2021 from 1:00 – 2:00pm at Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home in China Grove. Funeral Service will follow in the Chapel at 2:00pm officiated by Mike Ruffin. Burial with Military Honors will follow immediately after at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested you kindly remember Bud with memorials in his honor to either St. Jude’s Hospital for Children at www.stjude.org or the Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House, 1220 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury, NC 28144. Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Spears.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared for the Spears family at www.linn-honeycutt.com.