Jack M. Spear's Obituary
Jack M. Spear
In the late afternoon hours on Sunday, March 16, Jack M. Spear slipped into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Surrounded by his loving family in his home, Jack passed away following a courageous 12-year battle with a debilitating illness. Graveside services will be held Thursday, March 20, at 10 a.m. in the Old Danville Cemetery in Kilgore. The Reverend Harry Meissner, First Presbyterian Church, Longview will be officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home, Longview.
A sixth-generation descendent of two East Texas pioneer families, Jack was born September 12 1937, in Kilgore, Texas, to Mable Jernigan Spear and John Margene Spear. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James Kenneth Spear.
Jack graduated from Kilgore High School and attended Kilgore Junior College. He married his high school sweetheart, Molly Sue Goforth, and they moved to Austin to continue their education at The University of Texas. Jack earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1959 from UT. He was elected a member of Delta Sigma Pi, the business fraternity on campus. He was a proud supporter of the UT Longhorns and loved wearing the burnt orange.
Following graduation, Jack and Molly Sue moved to Houston. He joined the insurance firm of Cravens Dargan Co. as an underwriter. In 1964, Jack continued his career at John L. Wortham & Son, the largest insurance agency in the southwest. A senior underwriter, he earned his professional insurance designation as Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (C.P.C.U.) in 1975. Jack transferred to American General Company as a special agent.
Throughout his years in Houston, he was active in the Young Jaycees of Houston; Seratoma service organization; the United Way; Insurance Underwriters Association; the C.P.C.U-Houston chapter; and Younger Men of First Presbyterian Church.
In 1980 Jack and his family returned to East Texas and made their home in Longview. Here he joined Bivins Insurance as an Independent Agent and later retired from American National in 1999. He was an active member and officer of
Greggton Optimist Club.
Jack was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Longview; he was faithful in his practice of Christian principles in his personal and professional life.
Jack believed in service to his country and joined the Kilgore National Guard in 1955. He completed a seven-year commitment in 1962, having served in Austin and Houston Army Reserve Units.
While at UT, Jack began to play golf. Throughout the years, he developed a passion for golfing and made many good friends in Houston and East Texas. As a young boy, he loved The Farm located between Tyler and Kilgore, and later spent time raising cattle and timber, and managing the family properties. An expert marksman, Jack enjoyed hunting at the Spear Ranch in Jarrell and at the Farm, and camping and hunting with his many friends.
Although his illness changed his life in many ways in recent years, Jack possessed love, courage, and a gentle manner to show us that each day is a blessing and an opportunity to create lasting memories.
Jack is survived by his sweetheart and loving wife of 58 years, Molly Sue; two daughters- Melinda Fowles (David) of Princeton; Melissa Dennis (Scott) of Dallas; and one son Jonathan Spear (Anna) of Harker Heights. He was the proud grandfather of Carson, Catherine, and Lindsey Dennis; Nolan Fowles; and Meghan, Madelynn, and Nathan Spear. He is also survived by many Spear and Jernigan cousins. He will be missed by many, especially his large group of golfing friends, and of course Sam Cat, his faithful companion during his illness.
The family extends a deep appreciation for the long years of service from Dr. James Sawyer; and the excellent care and faithfulness of Darlene Clark, Crys Hubbard, Queen Williams, Cheynice Lanier, and in the early stages Y.D. Hutchings.
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 301 N. Center, 75601; or the Alzheimer’s Association, 911 W Loop 281, #211-31, 75604 or charity of choice.
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