John Henry Spells

John Henry Spells

It is said that a parent’s job is to run their leg of the race and pass the baton. John Spells passed the baton to his children on January 17, 2021. He had a strong 81 year run: A wife of over 50 years, 3 children, 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. John Spells was a character. He parented with few words and a firm hand. However, he never met a stranger and could literally talk your ear off. He was never one to heap praise on any of his children, but always wanted us to be sure that we did the absolute best that we could. His pride in his kids and grandkids was evident to any one with whom he had a conversation. He wasn't one for vulnerability, but every so often he would let you in. He was superman, protector, provider and liberator. Daddy, it’s our turn to run the race. We love and miss you. Rest easy young fella.

John Henry Spells was born on April 29, 1939 in the Cedar Creek township of Fayetteville, NC to Lewis and Sally (Williams) Spells.  He excelled in the segregated public schools of Cumberland County and graduated as Valedictorian from E. A. Armstrong High School in 1956.   After a distinguished 8 year career in the United States Air Force, he attended Fayetteville State University from which he graduated in 1972.  John had a long, successful, professional career in the chemical industry with tenures at the Penwalt Corporation, the Carborundum Corporation and finally retiring from the Dow Chemical Company in 1997. In retirement, John enjoyed tinkering with computers and power tools and striking up conversations with friends and strangers alike on his walks around the neighborhood.

John was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Spells; his mother, Sally Spells; sister, Juanita Lockett and brothers, Leon, Larry and Joseph Spells.

His memory will be cherished by his wife of 53 years, Sarah (Whitted); son, Daniel (Dorcas) and Darrell (Lori); daughter Rosalind (Mani), 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, eight brothers and sisters, and a host of friends, in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will hold a fitting memorial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Jarmen Hawkins Scholarship Fund. https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E330664&id=16

Donations can also be mailed to:

BISD Education Foundation

℅ Jarmen Hawkins Scholarship

PO Drawer Z

Freeport, TX 77541

Final arrangements entrusted to Dixon Funeral Home of Angleton.  (979) 849-8800.

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