August 1, 1938 – July 26, 2010 â??I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith..â?2 Timothy 4: 7
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend lost his hard fought battle with cancer on Monday, July 26, 2010.
Ray dearly loved his family and all dearly loved him. He will be missed beyond measure but we take comfort in our faith that we will see him again.
Ray is survived by the love of his life, Glenda Kay Martindale Spears; son: William D. â??Billâ? Spears, Colorado City, Texas and son and daughter- in- law, Alan Ray and Leann Spears, Era, Texas, Sisters: Patricia Rainbolt and Jeanne Khoury, both of Dallas Texas. Grandchildren: Claudia Marie Spears and Hal Ray Spears, both of Era. Brothers- in- law and sisters- in -law: Mary Martindale, Gynelle and Earl Lemons, Billy and Linda Martindale, Larry and Linda Martindale, Max and Sherry Martindale, Sandra and Wayne Kyle, Dianne and Charles Haley, Rita and Davis Cowling, and many adored nieces and nephews.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, W.O. â?? Patâ? and Beatrice Long Spears and father and mother â??in- law: C.D. and Claudia Martindale, brother in law, Robert Martindale, sister in law: Ellen Martindale. Nieces: Natalie Cowling and Sara Lemons sister- in- law: Ellen Martindale.
Ray was a sergeant in the Texas National Guard, 49th Armored Division and served in active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He had a 45-year career in the oil industry and retired from Texaco. He was also an active farmer and rancher. He was a member of the Hillcrest Church of Christ.
Ray enjoyed family RV trips to Colorado, talking every day to his brothers-in-law and their weekly golf games. Although he did not play the game, he became very proficient in riding the golf cart and picking up their golf balls. He was also a serious fisherman and loved the outdoors.
Services will be held on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 10 AM at the Commerce Street Church of Christ. Gene Davenport will officiate. Brothers- in- law will serve as pallbearers. Burial will follow at the Valley View Cemetery. If desired, memorials may be made to Hillcrest Church of Christ. No visitation is planned.