Gene Autry (Bear) Spearman was born June 10, 1959, in Merigold, MS, to Elizabeth and
Jessie Spearman, Sr. Gene completed his journey and peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home on
Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at Deltal Regional Medical Center in Greenville, Mississippi.
Gene confessed a hope in Christ at an early age at the Pilgrim Rest M. B. Church, under the leadership
of Reverend Johnson. He attended Isaiah T. Montgomery Elementary School and graduated from
Johnson F. Kennedy Memorial High School in 1982, in Mound Bayou, MS. Gene did further study
at Coahoma Junior College in Clarksdale, MS.
During Gene’s brief time on earth, he touched many lives. He was self-employed
as a farmer, carpenter, and painter for 42 years. He was also employed with Shelby
Die Casting for 8 years.
Gene was preceded in death by his father, Jessie Spearman, Sr.; two sisters, Elizabeth
and Mary; three brothers, Clyde Hayes and Johnny and Charlie Spearman.
Gene leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved and devoted companion of
32 years, Bonnie; sons Michael and Timothy Spearman of Mound Bayou,
MS, and Antonio Gant of Memphis, TN; mother Elizabeth Spearman of
Winstonville, MS; four sisters, Beatrice (Johnny) Whitney of Cleveland, OH,
Matilda Spearman and Wonder (Andrew) Stepter, all of Winstonville, MS, and
Cassandra Spearman of Memphis, TN; seven brothers, Jessie Spearman, Jr.,
of Mound Bayou, MS, L. C. Spearman of Jackson, MS, Charles Spearman of
Detroit, MI, Albert (Victoria) Spearman of Renova, MS, Jerry Spearman of
Chicago, IL, Alvin Spearman of Mound Bayou, MS, and Calvin Spearman of
Shelby, MS; twelve grandchildren; three aunts, Alma Sledge and Grace Davis,
both of Chicago, IL, and Lenomia McCoy of Dallas, TX; and a host of nieces,
nephews, cousins, and friends.
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
~Ecclesiastes 3:1
