Billy Maefield Spear

Billy Maefield Spear left this world on February 17, 2017 to be with his Lord and Savior. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at Oldham Lane Church of Christ with Chris McCurley officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. Services are under the care and direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory St.

Billy Spear was born in Honey Grove, Texas on January 20, 1923 to Charlie and Mattie (Vaughn) Spear. When Billy was 3 years old, the family moved to Carey, Texas where his dad farmed. Billy was the youngest of 5 boys and 2 girls. He joined the United States Army in 1942, serving in World War II, and was honorably discharged in January of 1947. He was a proud member of “The Greatest Generation”, and loved the time he spent serving his country. He was very patriotic and would often become emotional when speaking of his life and his friends in the military.

After his military service, Billy attended West Texas State University and worked various jobs until he eventually returned to public service with the Internal Revenue Service. He began as an Agent and worked his way up to an Audit Group Manager. During his career, he worked several cities, including Amarillo, Lubbock, Oklahoma City, Dallas, and Abilene. Billy also spent 4 months in New York City (Brooklyn) where he was assigned to a Bribery Detail. He retired as an Audit Group Manager with the Abilene and San Angelo offices in 1982.

Billy met and married Donnie in 1986. Billy had two children and Donnie had five when they married, but luckily for them, the children were all grown and they could spend their time traveling and enjoying life. Billy was a charter member of the “Wildcat Sam’s”, a local chapter of the national “Good Sam’s” travel club. Together, they traveled many miles with their “Good Sam’s” friends, and took other trips with just the two of them.

Billy loved to travel and tell stories, but his greatest times were spent with family. He loved the holidays when the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren could be together. Billy became “Grandy” when the kids were around. He was so proud of his family and loved spending time with the kids, taking them for walks, taking pictures, telling stories, and just having them around.

Billy was baptized at Baker Heights Church of Christ by Jimmy Jividen in 1991 and he and Donnie were charter members of Oldham Lane Church of Christ. Billy loved people and he loved to talk. We have no doubt that he is having good conversations now with family who had gone before him and new friends he has already made.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Donnie; his older brother, Sid Spear of San Antonio, Texas; his son, Rick Spear and daughter-in-law Wendy of Yukon, Oklahoma; his daughter, Rhonda Duffy and son-in-law Frank of Alpharetta, Georgia; son Billy Burns and daughter-in-law Christine of Lago Vista, Texas; daughter Brenda Walker of Granbury, Texas; son Brian Burns and daughter-in-law Sherry of Abilene; son Brent Burns and daughter-in-law Elizabeth of Abilene; and son Arthur Smith and daughter-in-law Terri of Fort Worth, Texas; 22 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Grandy, we love you and miss, but we know you are well!

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory St.