Othan Allan Spradley

Allan Spradley, 73 years old, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 11, 2012.

Allan was born in Tifton, Georgia, on August 24, 1939, the oldest of 5 children. As a young boy Allan worked as a Newspaper carrier for Tifton Gazette. After graduating from Tifton High School in 1957, Allan went to work in Washington, DC at the FBI.

Allan brought his law enforcement expertise to Tallahassee in April 15, 1966 when he joined the FDLE. Allan would eventually retire from the force on June 30, 2003 after 37 years of outstanding service.

In his retirement years Allan loved devoting his time to his grandchildren. He enjoyed taking them to the park and Lake Ella. He attended all of their extra- curricular activities, such as T-ball, Soccer, Cheerleading, Gymnastics, and fieldtrips.

He is preceded in death by his father, Othan Roscoe Spradley; mother, Mildred H. Spradley; niece, Dedra Henderson Cavanaugh; and great – nephew, Nathan Elliott Mancill.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Laura Spradley; his children, daughter, Tara Merlau (Garrett) and son, Bryan Spradley (Denean); grandchildren, Shayne Merlau (14), Shelby Merlau (12), and Delaney Spradley (6); his siblings, Carolyn Wilson (Reid), Barbara Henderson (Royce), Randall Spradley (Phyllis), and Wylene Watts (Lee).

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, December 13th from 5pm to 7pm at Culley’s meadowWood Timberlane Road Chapel. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, December 14th at 10am.