Charles Eugene “Gene” Spears, 91, of Windermere, FL, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 7, 2021. Gene was born on January 12, 1930 in Clio, Alabama, the second of seven children, to the late Howard and Thelma (Carter) Spears. His family moved to Winter Garden when Gene was in elementary school and he attended Winter Garden public schools until his graduation from Lakeview High School in 1948 where he played football and baseball. Gene achieved his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Bowling Green College of Commerce (Western Kentucky University) in 1951 and went on to attain his Master of Business Administration Degree from Florida State University 1952. Gene proudly served his country in the United States Navy and reserves and retired as a Lieutenant Commander. While stationed in Charleston, S.C., he met his wife Ann (Sughrue). Gene lived most of his life in Windermere, FL where he served as Mayor and Town Council Member, Charter Member of the Windermere Rotary and one of the organizers of the Windermere Little League baseball team. He was employed as a Certified Public Accountant and retired from Martin Marietta in 1992 as a Director after 35 years of dedicated service. He was a long-time parishioner of Resurrection Catholic Church in Winter Garden, FL and member of West Orange Country Club also in Winter Garden. In his retirement, Gene enjoyed golf, fishing, boating, traveling and attending and watching all FSU sports.
In addition to Ann, his loving wife of 65 years, he is survived by his son, Charles Spears Jr.; his son John and wife Nancy (Dougherty); his son Paul and wife Alicia (Ulibarri); his daughter Barbara (Spears) and David Hamre; his sister Glynda; five grandchildren: Alexander, Austin, Hunter, Paige and Savannah and one great-grandchild, William. He predeceased by his brothers: Bob, Raymond, Jack, Billy and Michael Spears.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Catholic Church, Winter Garden on Tuesday, June 22 at 11 a.m. He will be laid to rest in Winter Garden Cemetery immediately following the Mass. In recognition of Gene’s faithful service to his country, Military Honors will be rendered at the cemetery. Memorial donations in Gene’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation https://www.alzheimersresearchfoundation.com. To share a message of sympathy with his family, visit www.baldwinfairchildwintergarden.com
