William A Spear

January 13, 2022

William (Bill) Spear passed from this life on January 13, 2022. He was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas on October 18, 1924 to Arthur and Lucille Spear. Upon graduation from high school, Bill joined the Air Corp. His plane was shot down over Germany on his first mission. He was the only survivor of that crash, was captured by the Germans and became a prisoner for two and a half months near the end of the war. Upon his return, he met Lucy Douglas, age 18, at a USO dance and married her on August 3, 1946. He was 21 at the time and they both attended the University of Arkansas together. Bill graduated with a degree in accounting and worked for Public Service Company and later for Southwest Power Administration in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he was a budget officer. In retirement, Bill enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling and volunteer work. He was predeceased by daughter, Vicki Vandivort and is survived by his wife, Lucy of 75 years, as well as two daughters, Cynthia Bruce, and Stephanie House and husband Steve; seven grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. Memorial gifts may be made to the Double Ring Scholarship Fund at First Christian Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma.