Gary Lee Spears, 78, passed away on January 14, 2013. Gary was born on Aug. 24, 1934 in Richmond, Indiana and most recently resided in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances E. (Beth) Spears, his parents, William and Isabel Spears, brothers Roger K. Spears and Wm. Jack Spears, and son Gary M. Spears. He is survived by daughters Patti Trotti (Joe) and Mikki Rector (Sam) of Muncie, Indiana; brother Russell Spears (Solange) of Chevy Chase, MD; sister Lisa Edington of Inverness, FL; step-daughter Jennifer Behne of Portland, TN, step-son Dave Behne, 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Gary attended Ball State University where he joined the ROTC and Pershing Rifles precision drill team, and was privileged to march in President Eisenhower''s Inaugural Parade. He served in the U.S. Navy for 8 years. Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, leather crafting, and restoring old firearms. He played the piano, composed some of his own music, and performed with a jazz combo. He also participated in scuba diving, judo, and go-cart racing.

After retiring from a 44-year career as a design engineer, Gary chose to continue working at Wal-Mart in Gallatin, TN, so he could continue giving to dozens of charitable organizations and individuals who were in need.
Gary enjoyed his family and friends most of all, and was very loyal to them. He was loved by all who knew him as family, friend, neighbor or co-worker. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at Garden View Funeral. Military Honors will be conducted by the Delaware County Honor Guard. Family and friends may call from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Memorial Contributions may be made to the VFW, Smile Train, and NRA, with envelopes provided at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.gardenviewandgardensofmemory.com