Byron Alexander Spainhour

Mr. Byron Alexander (Sport) Spainhour, age 91, went to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 3rd 2016. Byron was born on February 1, 1925 in Winston-Salem to the late Marvin Mansfield Spainhour and Eunice Long Spainhour. He was the 11th generation of Spanhauer (later to become Spainhour) with ancestry from Muttenz, Switzerland. During WWII, Byron was POW-MIA. Byron was PFC Company D, 157th Regiment – 45th Division. Captured on Anzio Beachhead in Italy February 1944, Byron was held captive by the Germans in various prisons – Italy, Austria, and Germany. Byron was liberated in March 1945. Upon liberation, Byron spent 4 weeks in France in a hospital being treated for malaria and pneumonia. He then was transported via a liberty ship to the USA returning home in Winston Salem in May of 1945. Byron married the love of his life, Margaret Lenoir Ingram in July 1945 and they were married for 64 years at the time of her death in October 2009. After a short honeymoon, Byron was employed by his relatives, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Keiger, at Old Town Telephone System. Byron retired on November 30, 1986 after 39 years with Old Town Telephone.

Byron was a godly man that served the Lord and truly loved his wife, family, relatives, and friends. Byron was a lifelong member of Beck’s Baptist Church where he served on various committees. Throughout the years, Byron enjoyed watching his children and their friends play softball for Becks Baptist and their participation in high school and college programs.

Byron enthusiastically supported the Atlanta Braves and the UNC Tarheels. He truly enjoyed gardening and landscaping. During his family's residency on Shattalon Drive, he indeed managed one of the best looking yards and gardens in Old Town. He was an avid salt water fisherman and enjoyed years with his family and friends at Bogue Inlet. One of Byron’s greatest moments was in 2010 when he participated in the Triad Freedom Flight to Washington, DC with fellow veterans. Byron was interviewed in his home by WXII news recounting his days during WWII shortly after his Freedom Flight. He participated in the final reception of the Freedom Flight on Veteran’s Day 2011 meeting and talking to numerous veterans and friends.

Byron is survived by his son Douglas Keith Spainhour (Dianne Hoffman) of Pfafftown, NC; daughters Margaret Kristina Southard (Lawrence) of Pawleys Island, SC; and Elizabeth Lori Spainhour (Stacy Street) Greensboro, NC; grandson Bo Southard and great granddaughter Landon of Mount Pleasant, SC; sister LaRue Crotts of Winston Salem, NC. Additionally, he is survived by special cousins Becky Tuttle, Bonnie Vogler, and Jackie Shelton all of Winston Salem. He has many fond memories of his dear friends Maryann Utley, Dee Wood, and Jenny Braswell. He always enjoyed the company of his sisters-in-law Betty Whiteheart and Dot Tuttle. He will be missed by his four legged buddy, Baxter, who enjoyed laying in his lap with every visit.

Special thanks and appreciation to his most devoted caregivers Teddy Tumbi, Talkia Tumbi, Mani Benitez, Tammy Clement, and Susan Wheeler. Special appreciation to his neighbors Scott and Cindy Smith and their daughters for their never ending compassion and friendly assistance.

The family is forever grateful for the medical services provided from Dr. Reg Fowler and Luke Pearsall and their team at Salem Chest, the 8th floor pulmonary staff at Forsyth Novant, and Dr. Charles Stinson and the 8th floor palliative care staff at Forsyth Novant, and the Veterans Administration Medical staff in Kernersville. Special thanks to Bobby Everhart and his team at Aero Care.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday August 6th at 11:00 am at Beck’s Baptist Church at 5505 Beck’s Church Road, Winston Salem, NC 27106. Military honors will be graveside following the service.

Dr. Karl Minor – Senior Pastor Beck’s Baptist Church and Rev. Matthew Allen – pastor Olivet Moravian Church – will be officiating the service.

Memorials can be made to Beck’s Baptist Church - attn Youth Fund-

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Frank Vogler & Sons Funeral Home Winston Salem, NC.

Online condolences can be sent to: www.frankvoglerandsons.com