Cecil Andrew Spears, 92, of Beaumont, died, Wednesday, January 26, 2011, at College Street Health Care Center. A resident of the area since 1952, he was born January 18, 1919, in Rochelle, Louisiana, to Irene and Jim Spears.
A World War II veteran, he served in the United States Army 92nd Infantry Division while stationed in Germany; he later was discharged after being injured in the War. Cecil was an electrician in a motor shop after the War and then got his commercial training in the air conditioning and heating field. He worked for several air conditioning companies including Nance Industries, Johnson Controls and at Lamar University on their air conditioning equipment. Cecil then retired at the age of 72 and enjoyed spending time at his Toledo Bend Camp and continued living in Beaumont. He was a born again Christian and was a member of Amelia Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Thelma Spears of Beaumont; children, Lucretia Spears Abbey of Waxahachie, Orlinda Spears Manning of Hemphill and Clyde Spears and his wife Sharon of Lumberton; five grandchildren, Shane DiFate, Carrie Schnack, Jana Manning, Livvie Manning and Micah Spears; one great-grandchild, Harmony Schnack; brothers, Joseph H. Spears and his wife Myra of Jena, Louisiana and Samuel Spears and his wife Elvina of Monroe, Louisiana; and sister-in-law, Opal Spears.
Cecil is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Wayne Spears and Jimmy Spears; and granddaughter, Megan Spears.
His funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 28, 2011, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A gathering of his family and friends will begin at 12:00 Noon until the time of service at Broussard’s. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Broussard’s.
Memorial contribution may be made to Amelia Baptist Church, 8055 Brighton Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707.
