Robert E. Spears, Jr.

Augusta, GA – Entered into the rest of his Lord Jesus on Thursday, July 18, 2024: Robert E. Spears, Jr., 95, husband of Kathryn Lively Spears. Born September 21, 1928, in Roanoke, VA to Robert E. Spears and Mary Moomaw Spears.

Children: Michael J. Spears and Robert E. Spears, III, (Jenny Christopher) of Greenville, SC. Grandchildren: Tony Spears, David Spears, Nick Spears, Rebekah Johnson (Nathaniel), Katie Norris (Aaron) and Daniel Spears; Great-grandchildren: Abigail Johnson, Seth Johnson, Silas Johnson, Jeremiah Johnson, Andrew Johnson, and Nate Johnson.

Robert moved with his parents to Augusta, GA, when he was two years old. He and his parents joined the newly formed Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, where he was a member for almost 80 of his 95+ years. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at Resurrection. As an adult he was on the church council many times and was an active member of the building and maintenance committee for decades. He was an active member in Sunday school and was in faithful weekly attendance to worship services. He financially supported the church through regular tithes and special offerings, as he was taught by his parents. He was diligent to instruct his boys in the truths of the faith, reading them Bible stories, taking them to worship services, praying with and for them throughout their lives.

He graduated from Richmond Academy in 1945 and then joined the US Navy at the end of World War II. After his discharge he enrolled in Augusta College and several other institutes of higher education before graduating from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1950 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked for a local consulting engineering firm before becoming a construction manager for E. I. DuPont de Nemours at the Savannah River Plant (eventually the Savannah River Site) in 1952. He worked there until 1962 when he was transferred to Orange, TX, then Circleville, OH, and finally Baton Rouge, LA on construction projects for DuPont. In 1964, he resigned from Dupont to find a more stable job to provide for his family. After returning to Augusta, GA, for 6 months, he was hired by Rust Engineering in Birmingham, AL. He worked for Rust (which was purchased by Litton Industries) for 12 years before moving to Charlotte, NC, to work for Catalytic Consulting for approximately one year. In 1977 he moved back to Augusta, GA, to work for Patchen Mingledorff and Associates. In 1987 he was hired by Dupont at the Savannah River Site. He retired in 1990.

He met and married Kathryn Lively on September 17, 1955. He was a loving and faithful husband for almost 69 years and enjoyed his marriage through good times and not-so-good times. One year after they were married, they welcomed a son, Robert Edward Spears, III, and second son, Michael James Spears, a year later. Having no brothers or sisters, Bob relished being part of Kathryn’s large family of five sisters and two brothers. Bob eventually had 25 nieces and nephews on Kathryn’s side of the family. Bob also had many aunts, uncles, and cousins on his side of the family. His immediate and extended family was always an important and joyful part of his life.

Bob and Kathryn have been life-long disciples and believers in Jesus Christ. They faithfully served Jesus in a variety of ways, both within and outside the organized church. They taught their boys from infancy the truths of the Bible and faithfully took them to church weekly. Bible reading was a nightly practice as well as prayers and theological education at home.

Bob and Kathryn were children of the depression and grew up having few or no luxuries (like most children of that generation.) They traveled only a few miles from home until they reached adulthood. Bob received his first taste of travel with the Navy at the end of World War II. He had additional opportunities to travel with the Army during the start of the Korean War. They decided to “see the USA in a Chevrolet” (advertising theme of the early 1960’s.) They eventually visited all 50 states, Mexico, and many of the provinces of Canada. Many of these trips taken in the 1950’s through the 1970’s were “camping” trips with their boys. Later trips were taken with other family members and friends. They also traveled to many countries in Europe and enjoyed seeing other cultures and God’s majestic creation.

Bob and Kathryn purchased a lake-front lot on the Clarks Hill Reservoir near Augusta. They and several friends and family helped build a cabin that was enjoyed by hundreds of family and friends. They were avid water skiers and taught many how to ski.

Bob was also a life-long bowler. He started bowling as a young teenager who set up the pins to earn money to bowl. He continued bowling until he was almost 90 years old. He bowled several 700 series (averaging 233 pins per game)

Bob developed a keen interest in genealogy, especially during his retirement. He was an active member of the Augusta Genealogical Society. He often served as Librarian of the day. His research found ancestors dating back hundreds of years.

A memorial service was held at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 2:00 PM with the Reverand David. B. Hunter officiating. Interment followed at Westover Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions (no flowers please) may be made to the Resurrection Lutheran Memorial Fund  (lcraugusta.org)

Additional information and online guestbook: www.thomaspoteet.com