H. Donald “Don” Spears, age 79, of Birmingham, Alabama, peacefully entered rest on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the home of his son in Gadsden, Alabama.
Don was born on January 19, 1947, in Bexar, Alabama, to the late Roy and Vada Spears.
At an early age , Don accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, beginning a lifelong walk of faith. As a teenager, he attended Mount Zion CME Church in Bexar, Alabama.
Don graduated from Ada Hanna High School in Hamilton, Alabama where he participated in athletics before attending Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama, earning a degree in business. While at Miles, he participated in drama classes and performed in several theatrical productions. In 1967, he became a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., as a member of distinguished “Supreme 13” line . His fraternity brothers remained among his closest friends throughout his life.
Following college, Don began his career with Delta Air Lines at the Birmingham Airport before joining Alabama Power Company in 1971, where he became the company’s first African American purchasing agent. He served faithfully for twenty-two years with professionalism, integrity and excellence.
In 1994, Don founded Spears Safety and Specialty Supply with the support of the Wyatt family. In 1997, he established Superior Wholesale Products for Miles College, Lawson State Community College, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln, Alabama, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and numerous businesses and organizations throughout the region.
Later, Don met and married the love of his life, the late Vergie B. Spears, on November 23, 1973, in Birmingham, Alabama. Together they built a loving home centered on faith, family, hospitality, and service. Their marriage was a beautiful testimony of commitment, laughter, and unconditional love.
Don was a devoted father who encouraged each of his children to pursue their God given gifts. He proudly supported Stephen in athletics as a young boy, encouraged Dominique’s lifelong love of sports, and nurtured Marlon’s passion for music as a producer, composer, and keyboardist. He lovingly embraced Misti Stoves and Myron Stoves as his own.
Known for his generous spirit, warm smile, and willingness to help others, Don never met a stranger. He loved sports, coached youth basketball during the late 1970’s, enjoyed traveling with his beloved Vergie, and was an exceptional cook who delighted family and friends with his soul food. He also possessed a beautiful singing voice and performed background vocals in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, where he had the opportunity to meet legendary recording artist Percy Sledge.
Faith remained the cornerstone of Don’s life. After worshipping at Bethel Baptist Church in Pratt City under the leadership of Reverend Tommy Lewis, he became a faithful member of Christian Valley Missionary Baptist Church, where he served under the pastoral leadership of Pastor James T. Carver for many years until his passing.
On May 2, 2015, Don suffered a debilitating stroke that left his left side paralyzed. Through God’s grace and the unwavering love of his family, he continued to be surrounded by compassion and care. His beloved wife faithfully cared for him until her own stroke in 2023. Thereafter, his children lovingly care for both parents, ensuring they remained surrounded by family throughout their final years.
Don leaves a legacy of faith, love, perseverance, generosity, and service the will continue to inspire all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vergie B. Spears; his brother, Herman Spears; his sister, Dixie Jones; his sisters-in-law, Joyce Spears; Dee McCoy Benson, Gwendolyn “Gwen” Stoves, Sadie Hinton, and Marlon Williams; and his brothers-in-law, Lamon Jones, Mancie Truelove, Jerry Terrell, and Leonard Benson.
He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Stephen Spears, Elder Marlon Spears, Dominique Spears, Misti Stoves and Myron Stoves; his grandchildren, Kimya, Karmen, Ciniyah, Keshawn, Kyron, and Casey; his brother, Jerry Spears; his sisters, Wilma Trulove, Maxine Stander, and Margaret “Lou Dean” Terrell; his sister-in-law, Sadie Spears; his brothers-in-law, Harold Standifer and Dorkas Benson; his sister/niece, Cynthia Benson, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, devoted Omega Psi Phi fraternity brothers, church family, cherished friends, business associates, and all whose lives were touched by his kindness and love.
A Homegoing Celebration honoring the life of H. Donald “Don” Spears will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Rocky Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Hamilton, Alabama. Mr. Spears will lie in state at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service.
